Dyson Heppell says the mood at Essendon remains buoyant despite the side losing touch with the top eight. 

The Bombers sit 14th on the ladder and have lost seven of their past eight matches.

“It’s been a disappointing year,” Heppell told Triple M this morning.

“We certainly would have liked to have won a lot more games.

“It’s still very positive around the club and it’s an enjoyable place to be.

“We’re certainly trying to get something out of this year and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Heppell led another young side out on to Etihad Stadium last Saturday night.

Six Bombers had less than 16 games experience.

“We’ve got a lot of young boys playing in the side at the moment,” Heppell said.

“It’s fantastic to see the excitement and enthusiasm they bring to the table.

“The more games we can get under their belt the better off we’re going to be.”

Heppell along with teammates Joe Daniher, Zach Merrett and David Zaharakis travelled to India over the offseason.

The young Bombers educated locals on the finer points of Aussie Rules football as well as sampled some of the unique parts of Indian culture.

“It was an amazing experience to spread the game over to India and embrace the Indian culture,” Heppell said.

“It was a very different place and certainly a real eye opener.”

Embracing India airs tonight on Fox Footy at 9:30pm.