Heppell will hang up his boots at the end of the Bombers' season, after reaching the 250-game milestone against Geelong in round 16 earlier this year.
Drafted with pick No.8 in the 2010 draft, the 32-year-old bows out as an All-Australian, an AFL Rising Star, a former Essendon captain and a one-time club champion.
Dyson Heppell is chaired off after playing his 250th game in round 16 against Geelong. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)
The announcement comes after a one-point loss to Gold Coast last time out all but ended the Bombers' finals hopes.
Essendon sit 10th on the ladder with just two rounds left of the home-and-away season.
"I've been wrestling with the decision for a number of weeks and it's a decision that certainly hasn't come lightly or been an easy one but one that I'm super content with," Heppell said in a club statement.
"In my own mind I always wanted to call it a day while I was still playing decent footy and that if it got to a point where we've got other boys primed and ready to play my role then I know it's time.Â
"No doubt there's a little competitive dog part of me that's in my ear telling me to go one more but after considering all possibilities and having the opportunity to go out on my own terms it just feels like the right call.
"They all say it, but it does go bloody fast. I'm envious of our young boys embarking on your careers. I'd go back there and do it all again if I could.
"Let's tear in for whatever is left for us this year."
Dyson Heppell in familiar action. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)
Heppell stayed loyal to Essendon in one of the most tumultuous periods in the Bombers' history following the club's long-running supplements scandal.
He was one of the 34 players banned in 2016 but knocked back rival offers to remain at the club.
Heppell was subsequently named captain in 2017 before handing the reins to Zach Merrett in 2022.
Essendon president Dave Barham congratulated Heppell on his career.
"Dyson has been an incredible leader of the Essendon Football Club and will always be remembered as an Essendon champion," Barham said.
"He is an Essendon person through and through and has committed his adult life to this football club, our people and all our members and supporters.
"He leaves an incredible legacy on this club, and we are indebted to him for his strength, resilience, and leadership during his career at the Bombers.
"The No.21 at Essendon will be synonymous with Dyson Heppell."
10°C