Mystery surrounds Dyson Heppell’s appearance for Leongatha on Saturday

WILL he or won’t he? Former Essendon champion Dyson Heppell is no certainty to turn out for Leongatha in their all-important local derby, Qualifying Final against Wonthaggi at Moe on Saturday.

Initially not selected in the published Leongatha team, Dyson Heppell has since been added to the ‘emergency’ list, but according to club reports, is no guarantee to play on Saturday.

Sources at Leongatha said Heppell had made a firm commitment to support the Australian Prostate Centre’s major awareness and fundraising effort for the year, the AFL Legends Game, and after playing a big role on Thursday night, may not play this Saturday.

“I’m not sure what the situation is with Dyson, we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Leongatha Parrots’ president Mal Mackie.

“We’ve got a pretty good team in, so has Wonthaggi. It should be a good game,” he said.

As current players, in the Gippsland League, both Dyson Heppell (Essendon-Leongatha) and James Harmes (Melbourne-Moe) played key roles for the Vics on Thursday night, moving the ball back and forward for some of the older, less mobile Legends and celebrities.

While Harmes has the luxury of a week off, before Moe is scheduled to play their first finals’ match, Heppell faces the prospect of turning out two days later – not ideal.

Speaking before the game, Dyson made it clear why he was playing in the annual Legends game.

“As a former Essendon footballer, to get the opportunity to play this year, as well support an amazing cause, you know, it's pretty special, and any chance I get to go and have a kick and play with some of my heroes and friends, why not?” said Heppell in a promotional video.

“You know, it's showcasing great talent, great camaraderie, and the spirit of the game but, also, I think the biggest one is just the opportunity for people to show up and show out for an amazing cause.

“People are so busy with things going on in your lives these days, but I think to be able to rock up, show your support, not only for the players but also for the cause, is an amazing initiative.”

Heppell encouraged men over 50, or those over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer to get regular checkups to monitor their prostate health, and also to reach out to any friends or family who might be dealing with the illness.

“And it's a great opportunity also to show your support for your surrounding community and the people in your life that may be battling with prostate cancer or whatever it may be, to give them a call, to check in, and make sure they're going okay.”

So, it’s all for a good cause but the mystery still remains, will Dyson Heppell play for Leongatha on Saturday or trust (and hope) that his Parrot teammates can do the job, and look to line up the following week? Time will tell.

Wonthaggi and Leongatha have named full-strength sides, with the possible exception of Dyson Heppell for Leongatha and also with Wonthaggi Power ruckman, Daniel Bourke, into his fourth week of rehab following a car accident, in which he broke his hip. Catch up on Daniel's pleasing progress HERE

The two teams have evenly matched midfields, where Shannon Bray, Josh Bates, Bryce Joyce and Brodie Mabilia of Wonthaggi are opposed to Jack Sheridan, Ben Harding, Luke Bowman and Tom Marriott of Leongatha, both with a selection of other players who can also run on the ball.

Up forward, Leongatha might have a slight edge with league leading goal kicker Jenson Garnham and Zavier Lamers, while Wonthaggi Power have Cooper McInnes and Lachie Ferguson among others.

However, covering off on Leongatha’s edge in attack is Wonthaggi’s much-vaunted defence.

As usual when these two close neighbours face off against each other, it’s commitment and execution, especially in front of goal, that counts most, plus the inevitable ounce of luck that often plays a part in these games.

Leongatha’s Under 16s kick the dew off the grass at Moe on Saturday against Bairnsdale at 8.45am before the main game starting at 2.20pm.

In Gippsland League Netball matches on Saturday at Moe, local interest is confined to the 15&Under match between Leongatha and Bairnsdale starting at 10.05am.

On Sunday at Drouin, there’s heaps of local interest in the netball with Leongatha and Wonthaggi facing off in A Grade at 2.35pm, Wonthaggi v Traralgon in B Grade and Leongatha v Traralgon in C Grade. The Leongatha Thirds footballers play Bairnsdale in the Elimination Final starting at 10.30am.