For Dyson Heppell, football has never been just about what happens on the field.

Growing up in Leongatha, football was part of everyday life. It was where friendships were formed, communities came together and some of life's most memorable moments were made.

Like many young Australians, Dyson spent his weekends at local grounds following his love of the game. What started as a childhood passion eventually took him from country Victoria to the bright lights (and tram tracks) of Melbourne, where he went on to play 253 games across a 14-year career, captain Essendon from 2017 to 2022 and earn some of football's highest individual honours along the way.

But while plenty has changed since those early days kicking the footy around Leongatha, one thing has remained constant: the people.

It's a theme that runs throughout Dyson's football journey and one that's at the heart of this year's Four'N Twenty Legends Game. Beyond the big names and on-field rivalry, the event is ultimately about people, community and coming together for a cause that matters.

Ahead of the game, we caught up with Dyson to chat about football, friendships, giving back and why showing up, whether that's coming along to the game, supporting a worthy cause or simply checking in on someone who needs it, can make a real difference.

We've pulled out some of the highlights from our conversation below. And if you'd rather hear the stories straight from Dyson himself, you can watch the full interview here.

For now, grab a cuppa and take five as Dyson reflects on the lessons, friendships and experiences that continue to shape his life both on and off the field.

What made you want to be involved in the Four'N Twenty Legends Game this year?

"I was actually the runner for the Legends Game last year. I didn't quite get the full nod, but I did the running. I really enjoyed the experience. It was great to connect with some people from across my career and even meet some guys that I idolised growing up that I hadn't met before.
To get the opportunity to play this year as well for an amazing cause is pretty special. Any chance I get to go and have a kick and play with some of my heroes and friends, why not?"

One of the highlights of the full interview is hearing Dyson reflect on meeting some of the players he grew up idolising and how many of them have since become friends and mentors.

You can watch that part of the conversation here.

What makes the Four'N Twenty Legends Game different from any other football event?

"I think it's bringing some of the greats of the game together to battle it out. It's always a heated rivalry and it's a ripper seeing guys that are still in pretty good nick trying to have a proper crack. You see the ones that are super competitive and don't want to lose.
It's showcasing great talent, great camaraderie and the spirit of the game, but the biggest one is the opportunity for people to show up and show out for an amazing cause."

What don't fans get to see behind the scenes?

"The little bits in the locker room before the game are pretty funny. You hear plenty of banter, stories from across people's careers and things like that.

The change rooms are definitely a bit more relaxed than your standard game of footy. There are a lot of laughs, a lot of guys taking the mickey out of each other and some very funny pre-game speeches."

You've spoken a lot about community. What does "showing up" mean to you?

"Showing up might be just rocking up to the game to show your support for the cause.

People are so busy these days, but to be able to show up, support the cause and be present is really important.

Get amongst it with your friends and your family.

It's also a great opportunity to show up for your surrounding community and the people in your life who may be battling prostate cancer. Give them a call, check in and make sure they're going okay.”

Why do you think football is such a powerful way to bring people together?

"The amount of fans around the country that are footy obsessed and footy mad is incredible.

That's what makes it such an amazing game.

For an event like this, people are willing to show up for footy and watch some of their favourite players, but also for the cause in general.

To be able to come out, show their support for their favourite players and for the cause, I think is awesome."

Supporting causes like this has been important throughout your life. Why?

"I've been impacted through various people in my life through a number of different illnesses and diseases.

Something I've always tried to do is help out where I can. The feeling I get from giving back and helping someone else in need is really important.

It doesn't need to be big. Going to the game, donating, making a phone call to someone.

The more people we can get on board, the more momentum we can build and the stronger our community becomes."

Football is known for creating lifelong friendships. Why do old teammates always seem to pick up where they left off?

"That's the beauty of footy.

You form these lifelong friendships and whether you speak to them often or not, when you reconnect and catch up it's always incredible.

You get to chew the fat, talk about stories from back in the day and have a laugh.

I love catching up with old teammates."

What's one of the biggest lessons football has taught you?

"I love that footy is a team sport.

The more you give to others, the more you celebrate other people's achievements and care for other people, the better off you feel.
You feel connected.

You feel part of a team environment.

You feel part of a community.

You feel part of something bigger than yourself."

What do you hope people take away from the Four'N Twenty Legends Game?

"It's that real sense of community.

When you bring people together for a fantastic cause, the ripple effect it can make is incredible.

For people to show up, show their love, show their support and know that they're playing a part in raising funds and awareness.

Whether you think it's small or not, you're actually playing a big role."

What would you say to someone thinking about coming along this year?

"Come and celebrate together.

Celebrate an amazing cause and an amazing initiative and rally right behind it.
For those that love footy, for those that have been impacted by prostate cancer, it's an important reminder to check in on your loved ones and rally around the people who need it.

Whether it's through a donation, showing your support or simply coming to the game and being part of the atmosphere, show up."

Throughout our conversation, Dyson reflects on everything from growing up in Leongatha and meeting his childhood heroes to the importance of community, connection and showing up for others.

If you'd like to hear the stories in his own words, 🎥 watch the full interview here.

Get Involved

Whether you're attending for the footy, the atmosphere or to support a great cause, the Four'N Twenty Legends Game  is an opportunity to be part of something bigger.

As Dyson puts it:

"When you bring people together for a fantastic cause, the ripple effect it can make is incredible."

It's a simple reminder that showing up matters. Whether that's coming along to the game, supporting the cause or checking in on someone who needs it, every action can make a difference.

See you at Marvel Stadium.