Scans spark draft doubt for Dyson Heppell Jay Clark
Herald Sun
November 17, 2010 8:47PMDYSON Heppell has quashed raging speculation he has groin problems, which sent the likely draft order into a tailspin.
Heppell, who was initially thought to go as high as pick five to Brisbane, could slip as far as No. 12 to Melbourne in what could be a coup for the Dees.
Recruiters were hastily making calls to Heppell and his family on the Gold Coast amid widespread rumours his recent groin scans were worrisome.
But the silken half-back told the Herald Sun he had not experienced any pain or problems with his groin since his osteitis pubis in 2008.
"I have had no niggles whatsoever and I keep getting calls asking about it but I have no idea what it is about," Heppell said.
"I had scans four weeks ago on my groin just as a precaution because I had it (osteitis pubis) a couple of years ago, but they're completely fine."
As revealed in the Herald Sun, Richmond is expected to pull a surprise and nab West Australian outside link man Reece Conca at tonight's AFL National Draft on the Gold Coast.But mystery surrounds Essendon's choice at No. 8. It is understood the club is torn between Vic Country midfielders Dion Prestia and Shaun Atley.
It is believed new coach James Hird wants the speedy Atley, despite criticism of his kicking.
One club's scout described Prestia as the best natural footballer in the draft, but his height, at 175cm, had turned some clubs off.
Melbourne is tipped to happily benefit from Heppell's sudden slide as the Gippsland star was arguably the best-performed player through the second half of the TAC Cup season.
"I like to model myself on a Josh Drummond type, with his ball use with his long left-foot kicking," Heppell said.
Carlton has been linked to bulky left-foot backman Matthew Watson but was last night still tossing up the merits of bustling 190cm goalkicker Jack Darling, and could swing either way.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/scans-spark-draft-doubt-for-dyson-heppell/story-e6frf9jf-1225955188615
