BREAKING NEWS
Saints Deny Attempt to Poach Bombers Skipper: "Absolutely No Truth" to Rumors
The St. Kilda Saints have issued a statement denying claims that they attempted to poach Essendon Bombers captain Dyson Heppell, calling the rumors "absolutely no truth".
The Saints have been linked to Heppell in recent days, with reports suggesting that the club made a formal approach to the Bombers for the 29-year-old midfielder. However, the Saints have moved quickly to quash the speculation, insisting that there is no truth to the rumors.
"There is absolutely no truth to the rumors that we have made an approach for Dyson Heppell," a Saints spokesperson said. "We value our relationships with all clubs and players, and we will not be commenting further on this matter."
The Bombers have also issued a statement, confirming that they have received no formal approach from the Saints for Heppell’s services.
"We are aware of the rumors, but we have received no formal approach from the St. Kilda Saints for Dyson Heppell," an Essendon spokesperson said. "Dyson is a valued member of our club and we are committed to supporting him and our entire playing group."
Heppell has been a key player for the Bombers since his debut in 2011, and has captained the club since 2016. He has been linked to the Saints in recent weeks, with some reports suggesting that he is considering a move to the club due to his desire for a fresh start.
However, the Saints’ denial of the rumors suggests that Heppell may not be on the move after all. The Bombers are likely to be relieved by the news, as they prepare for the upcoming season with Heppell at the helm.
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St Kilda denies attempt to poach Bombers skipper Zach Merrett with monster offer.
Zach Merrett has been linked to a monster offer from St Kilda in recent days, but JON RALPH reports the Saints have denied chasing the Bombers skipper.
Jon Ralph
@RalphyHeraldSun
less than 2 min read
September 16, 2024 – 4:56PM
News Sport Network
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Essendon captain Zach Merrett is going nowhere as St Kilda made clear it was not attempting to poach the Dons skipper this year.
The Saints went as far as releasing a statement on Monday to clarify their stance on Merrett.
The club said there had been no “formal discussion” on attempting to trade for Merrett.
While St Kilda might have had some interest in approaching Merrett, those close to the Dons skipper made it clear on Monday that he never considered leaving the club.
A St Kilda spokesman said on Monday: “We have not approached his management with a contract offer for Zach to join St Kilda.”
“There has also not been any formal discussion of this topic with Zach or his management.
“We will not be making any further comment on this matter.”
St Kilda has denied it is chasing Essendon skipper Zach Merrett. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
The Dons continue to hold out despite Jake Stringer’s hope for a contract extension, with the veteran goalkicker currently only contracted for 2025 on a $400,000 deal.
Essendon could lift that offer in financial terms, but has not yet done that and is not interested in offering him a two-year deal.
Collingwood and Sydney have downplayed any interest so he will have to find a willing party or might have to go back to the Dons with tail between legs.
There is a view at Essendon that with Kyle Langford and Nate Caddy now first-choice players, there is room for only one of Stringer and Peter Wright in the team.
Stringer played this year as a roving forward while Wright spent time in the reserves, but the Dons will be desperate to get the best out of him next year.
Back-up ruckman Nick Bryan will also be staying at Essendon given he is contracted and the Dons have shown they are keen to play him alongside Sam Draper.
Bryan has multiple clubs interested in him but he would need to move to a club where he could play first ruck instead of again slotting into a reserve role. So he seems destined to play on at the Dons as he tries to carve out an even bigger role next year.
Article text is in the body of my post.