Essendon Training at Windy Hill. Dyson Heppell Source: News Limited
RISING Essendon star Dyson Heppell is closing in on a full recovery from a serious foot injury after embarking on a diligent off-season fitness campaign.
The Bombers admitted to being impressed by Heppell's condition yesterday as the club's first to four year players reported back for duty at their new airport base.
Heppell missed the last two matches of 2013 with a metatarsal stress problem; an inflammation of an old injury football manager Steve Alessio described as a "growth plate issue".
But Heppell worked hard over the break and trained with his young teammates yesterday ahead of a final meeting with specialists in a fortnight.
"He's been going very well. In fact he's been doing a heap of training during the off-season and has come back in really great shape," Alessio said.
"He's a real professional."
Heppell was a shining light in Essendon's season, finishing third in the Crichton Medal and being named captain of the inaugural AFL Players' Association under 22 team.
The 21-year-old is expected to be given the green light for full training by the time he leaves for the club's two-week high-altitude camp in Boulder, Colorado.
The Bombers will send an expanded 25-player delegation overseas, up from 10 this time last year.
"We're looking to continue to increase our altitude training camps and to invest in our players," Alessio said.
"A mix of players will stay behind. A few old blokes at the end of the spectrum and the young guys at the front."
Interim coach Mark Thompson will return from leave on Monday, but Alessio said there was already an exciting vibe as the Bombers embark on a fresh start.
"The mood among the players and staff, they've got a real spring in their step. It really helps coming into a workplace that is elite and new and provides the facilities that we all need," he said.
"Everyone is optimistic and this facility only adds to that optimism."
Essendon's return to action came as St Kilda and Collingwood youngsters also took to the track.
The Saints embarked on day one of pre-season without a coach, while former Hawk Carl Peterson was a shock invitee at Seaford.
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