Courtenay Dempsey may become the next Bomber to make the move up forward.

The defender has found success as a target in the forward line for Essendon VFL, kicking seven goals in just two weeks.

Having played the majority of his career in the backline the 27-year-old sees the move forward as an exciting challenge.

“I’m usually trying to stop goals this time I’m kicking them,” said Dempsey

“It’s good to have a little bit more freedom and I don’t have to worry about a man.

“I don’t know which forward doesn’t like kicking goals, so I enjoy that side of things.”

After 10 years at the club, Dempsey is well aware that his recent success as a forward does not mean automatic selection into the senior side. The defender was adamant that he would need more time to develop in his new position before returning to AFL level.

“I’m still learning and I’ve still got to get to the top level,” said Dempsey

“Hopefully I get there, but I’ve just got to continue that consistency over the next few weeks and see where we go from there.”

Essendon VFL went down to last year’s premiers Footscray on Sunday afternoon in what was only the side’s fifth loss for the season.

With Hird signaling that there would be some changes to the senior side this week, Dempsey was quick to highlight some of the exceptional performances of his teammates over the last few weeks and called for fans to give the side time to get the mix right.

“We’ve got a young side out there so there’s going to be some inconsistency,” said Dempsey

“There were fellas like Shauny Edwards, Paul Chapman, (Elliott) Kavanagh and Tayte Pears. There are a few players that have played good and consistent footy over the last three or four weeks.”