Dyson Heppell: From Essendon Captain to Collingwood Coach

When a footballer changes his surname after more than a decade in the league, it’s fair to say the fans take notice. Dyson Heppell, the former Essendon captain who played 253 AFL games, has done exactly that — and added a new coaching chapter to his story.

Born: 14 May 1992 ·
Height: 189 cm ·
Weight: 84 kg ·
Games played (AFL): 253 ·
Club captain: Essendon (2017–2022) ·
Current role: Collingwood development coach (2026–)

Nine key facts, one pattern: from 14 seasons at Essendon to a new hyphenated name and a coaching role, Dyson Heppell’s career has entered a new phase.

What happened to Dyson Heppell?

Heppell retired from the AFL at the end of the 2024 season after a 14-year career with Essendon, according to Collingwood’s official coaching page. He played 253 games for the Bombers, earning a Rising Star award in 2011 and All-Australian honours in 2014, as reported by ESPN. He captained the club from 2017 to 2022.

Retirement from playing

• Heppell announced his retirement after the 2024 season (ESPN).
• He spent the 2025 season playing for Port Melbourne in the VFL, before returning to the AFL system as a coach (Sporting News).

Move to Collingwood as development coach

• In January 2026, Heppell joined Collingwood as a development coach (AFL).
• His role focuses on first-to-fourth year players and rehab support, according to Zero Hanger.
• Collingwood’s 2026 coaching structure includes Heppell alongside Nathan Murphy and Chloe McMillan as development coaches (Collingwood FC).

The implication: Heppell’s coaching path mirrors a growing trend of experienced players moving straight into club development roles, rather than traditional media or assistant coaching tracks.

Why has Dyson Heppell changed his name?

After marrying Hannah Turner in January 2025, Heppell adopted the hyphenated surname Turner-Heppell, as documented on Wikipedia. A third-party profile suggests the change honours his mother’s side of the family, though the couple has not publicly confirmed the exact reason (Australian Policy).

Marriage to Hannah Turner

Heppell married Hannah Turner, whose surname is Turner, in a private ceremony in Australia. Photos from the wedding were shared on social media, but the specific location remains undisclosed.

Adoption of hyphenated surname Turner-Heppell

• Heppell’s social media profiles and official club communications now use the surname Turner-Heppell (Wikipedia).
• The change is believed to be a personal choice reflecting family heritage, though no official statement has been made.

The pattern: Heppell’s name change is a reminder that athletes’ identities evolve beyond their playing days, and that family ties often influence that evolution.

Where did Dyson Heppell get married?

Heppell married Hannah Turner in a private ceremony in Australia. The exact venue has not been publicly confirmed, but the couple shared photos on social media, which were covered by outlets like Australian Policy. The wedding is believed to have taken place in early 2025.

The trade-off: While fans are curious, the couple has chosen to keep the location private, prioritising family privacy over public disclosure.

Did Dyson Heppell get suspended?

No. During his 14-season AFL career, Heppell was not suspended. His disciplinary record is clean, with no match-day suspensions or tribunal findings reported by Collingwood FC or ESPN.

The implication: Heppell’s clean record adds to his reputation as a disciplined player, making his transition to coaching a natural step.

Does Dyson Heppell have a partner?

Yes. Heppell is married to Hannah Turner. The couple has one son, born in 2023 (Wikipedia). Heppell’s family life has been a consistent theme in his post-retirement interviews, with the move to Collingwood partly motivated by the flexibility to spend more time with his wife and child (Zero Hanger).

Wife: Hannah Turner

• Married in January 2025.
• Hannah Turner is a private individual, with limited public presence.

Family life

• Heppell and his wife have one son.
• The family is believed to live in Melbourne, where Heppell’s coaching role is based.

The pattern: Heppell’s post-football life is centred on family and coaching, not media or public appearances.

For Heppell, the transition from player to coach is more than a career change — it’s a personal evolution that includes a new surname and a new family identity. The decision to join Collingwood, a club he once fiercely opposed, underscores a pragmatic approach to life after football. For Essendon fans, the implication is clear: Heppell’s legacy is secure, but his future lies in the black and white of Collingwood.

For readers following Australian rules football, Heppell’s next chapter is a case study in post-playing career planning. The choice: embrace a rival club’s culture, or remain in the Essendon orbit. He chose the former, and the results will be measured in the development of Collingwood’s next generation.