Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell is on the verge of signing a new two-year contract extension, according to the Herald Sun.
The 27-year-old was due to come out of contract at the end of next season but is expected to shortly ink a new deal tying him to the club until the end of 2022.
Heppell, who has played 169 games for the club he’s captained since 2017, has remained loyal in recent seasons amid the fallout of the drugs saga and last signed a five-year contract extension in 2015.
He struggled with a significant foot injury during the second half of 2019, playing through pain to lead the Bombers to the finals.
While Heppell will remain captain in 2020, the report states there could be significant change to the Essendon leadership group with veterans Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker in line to replace Orazio Fantasia and Joe Daniher.
The Bombers, who have not won a final since 2004, open their 2020 season with games against Fremantle, Sydney and Carlton.