He laid the platform early in the week and then delivered on match day.

That’s Essendon champion Scott Lucas’ assessment of Dyson Heppell’s leadership following the loss to Brisbane.

Heppell said the team played ‘a selfish game’ against the Lions but added ‘we're going to bounce back’.

And the Captain led from the front as the side did just that against Collingwood.

“It was a strong week from a young leader,” Lucas said.

“He came out early in the week and spoke about the selfishness in the loss to the Lions.

“Clearly he was very firm and would have addressed the group.

“Then to come out and lead from the front with such an important game from him as Captain just says a lot about him as a young leader.”

Heppell picked up 32 possessions, took four marks, had four clearances, three tackles and five inside 50s as the Bombers rebounded with a 37 point win over the Pies.

In his first season as Captain, Heppell has played every game and is averaging 26 possessions, five marks, four tackles and four inside 50s per game.