The departures from the group are three other midfielders:veteran David Zaharakis and former GWS Giants Devon Smith and Dylan Shiel.
Heppell,28,will captain the Bombers for a fifth straight season.
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Essendon coach Ben Rutten said the the playing group and coaching panel both had a role in selecting the club's four official on-field leaders for 2021.
"Dyson,Michael,Zach and Andy each possess outstanding work ethic,professionalism and commitment to the Essendon Football Club,"Rutten said in a statement.
"These players lead by example and are committed to the program's values,so they are each to be congratulated on this achievement.
"We also commend Dyson in being unanimously endorsed to lead this football club as captain for a fifth year. It shows the high regard he is held in by his peers.