Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell is reportedly “tempted” by a long-term offer from a rival club.
Plus Victorian contenders have been urged to pursue retired Eagles champion Josh Kennedy.
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HEPPELL ‘TEMPTED’ BY SUNS OFFER
Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell is reportedly “tempted” by a potential four-year contract offer from the Gold Coast Suns, according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.
The Suns have already been linked to the 30-year old, who was made to wait until recent weeks to receive a one-year contract offer from Essendon amid rival interest.
Edmund reports the Suns’ four-year offer would likely entail two seasons as a player then another two campaigns as assistant coach, but that no formal deal has been tabled yet.
As Heppell is an unrestricted free agent, he could walk to another club without a trade being made.
The veteran has played all 20 games for the Bombers this season, averaging 22.2 disposals and 6.7 marks per contest.
Bombers coach Ben Rutten earlier this year said he hoped Heppell would remain at the club.
“Yeah, (we want him at the club next year) absolutely. We’re talking with Dyson at the moment about what that looks like so that won’t be too far off,” he said.
“We’ve been pretty clear with ‘Dys’ and have communicated with him about all that.”
VIC CONTENDERS URGED TO PURSUE RETIRED KENNEDY
Dual All-Australian Kane Cornes has urged Melbourne and Collingwood to try and lure retired Eagles champion Josh Kennedy east for next season.
Kennedy remarkably booted eight goals in his farewell game against Adelaide on Sunday — the equal second-most goals kicked by a player in their final match in VFL/AFL history — having called time on his career due to an ongoing knee issue.
However Cornes believes the Victorian rivals should make a play for the 34-year old without the expectation he needs to play every game.
“If I was a Melbourne or a Collingwood I’d be trying to get this guy out of retirement, look at what he did (against Adelaide),” he said on Channel 9’s Footy Classified.
“Sell it to him — you don’t have to train until January, we’re going to pay you a good contract for two years., you’ll play 16-17 games for the year.
“If he’s not a player that Melbourne be going after I’d be surprised.”
Kennedy has booted 723 goals from 293 AFL games.
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