Suspended Essendon ace Dyson Heppell says he'll remain at the troubled AFL club until at least the end of 2017.
Heppell, one of 34 past and present Bombers suspended over the club's 2012 supplements saga, says he's decided to honour his current contract with Essendon.
"There was obviously a lot of emotion and anger towards people at the club but I wanted to do the right thing and take my time," Heppell said on Thursday night on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program.
Heppell said the support from Essendon fans for himself and other banned Bombers meant he never considered leaving.
"I put a process in place and took my time to make sure I got to a place where I was 100 per cent committed to the football club," he said.
"I have loved watching how the boys have gone about their footy ... I truly believe this playing group can be successful in the years to come."
Captain Jobe Watson and sought-after key position star Michael Hurley are yet to declare their intentions for next season.
But Heppell's signature is a marketing boon for the Bombers, given it follows Cale Hooker and David Meyers also sticking with the club.
"I know everyone involved with the football club is rapt to have Dyson back in for next season," coach John Worsfold said in a statement.
"Dyson is invested in the direction and culture we are building at the club. ... there's no doubt his best football is still ahead of him."
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