Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell believes a progression to playing consistent football through the midfield played a key role in his All Australian honour.

Heppell received his first All Australian honour when he was named on the wing in the 2014 side announced on Tuesday evening.

The 22-year-old said it was humbling to be selected in the side.

“I am very proud at the moment and honoured to be in this side,” Heppell said.

“It is very humbling to be standing up there alongside some of the best players in the league.”

Heppell averaged 28 disposals from 21 matches throughout the season, standing up in the absence of injured captain Jobe Watson.

His star continued to rise with a number of match winning performances putting him among the elite midfielders in the competition.

“Over the last four years it has been a steady progression,” he said.

“Playing consistently in the midfield this year was something I was striving for at the start of the year.

“I am very proud of the season that I have put in.”

He said throughout the season he had learnt how to best deal with getting extra attention from opposition teams.

“It is interesting getting a bit more attention I guess,” he said.

“There is nothing about my game that I have to change too much but working alongside Jobe Watson and our midfield coach Simon Goodwin really allowed me to thrive off those situations.”

The young star believes his enthusiasm for football was important in helping his teammates remain upbeat.

“I love footy, I love everything that there is to do with it and I don’t see why you should be down around the footy club.”

“It is a really enjoyable place to be so if I can be up and about to bring others with me I think that is a good thing.”