Dyson Heppell - Whatever It Takes… To Forgive

24 snips

Aug 17, 2025

Dyson Heppell, a former Essendon Football Club star, shares his remarkable journey through one of Australian sports' biggest scandals. He discusses rebuilding trust with teammates and finding joy in his career after adversity. The conversation delves into personal growth, the importance of relationships, and his unique bond with Harrison, which inspired the creation of Haych the Label. Dyson also candidly addresses the challenges of disordered eating and the stereotypes surrounding masculinity, showcasing resilience and a transformative outlook on life.

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ADVICE

Find Purpose After Retirement

If you feel lost after a career change, seek new purpose and allow the uncertainty to become an exciting new chapter.
Dyson emphasises building meaning beyond the role to navigate retirement's mixed emotions.

ANECDOTE

When The Ban Was Announced

Dyson describes the moment lawyers told the players they'd be suspended and the immediate numbness that followed.
He recalls teammates in tears and the group consoling each other before trying to process the shock.

ANECDOTE

From Rising Star To Crisis

Dyson recounts his rapid rise: Rising Star winner, never missed a game in year one, and idol-based devotion to Essendon.
He contrasts that dream start with the later chaos caused by the supplements program.

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Inside what might be the biggest scandal in Australian sporting history, Dyson Heppell, at 23 years old, found himself at the centre with a choice to make.

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A leader from the beginning of his career, Dyson was living his childhood dream playing AFL for the Essendon Bombers when everything turned upside down.

In this episode, Dyson chats to Hugh, Ryan, and Josh about his relationship with trust, his teammates and the public in the aftermath of the scandal. Reframing, and rebuilding, Dyson shares how he was able to find joy, empathy and positivity in footy, and life, again.

Hugh discusses with Dyson how he chased control through limiting calories, which resulted in a period of disordered eating and finally, the guys talk about Dyson’s relationship with Harrison, and the starting of Haych the Label.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: http://bit.ly/41EIbw1

🎧Things to listen to

Dyson Heppell I Dyl & Friends - http://bit.ly/4mKhZZ7

🧢Things to check out

Haych The Label - http://bit.ly/47xSohB
The Resilience Project Journal - http://bit.ly/3UZtXSH

🦋If this conversation has raised some uncomfortable feelings for you around eating and food, the Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 4673 is a great place to visit - https://butterfly.org.au

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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.