Dyson Heppell was named Captain on the eve of the season and he maintained his high standards despite the added leadership responsibilities.

The 25 year old played every match in 2017 and was ranked in the top five at the Club for average disposals (26.4), inside 50s (4.3), goal assists, contested possessions (11.2), uncontested possessions (15.6), clearances (4.7), centre clearances (1.9), stoppage clearances (2.7), metres gained (361.1) and score involvements (6.8).

His possession tally dipped below 20 in only one match (Sydney, round 14) and he recorded four or more tackles in 15 games.

Heppell won the Crichton Medal in 2014 and was also named in the All Australian side that season.

His standout games in 2017 came against Hawthorn in round one when he recorded 34 possessions, seven tackles and kicked three goals.

The skipper was among the best in round three when he picked up 30 possessions and laid eight tackles against Carlton and he was instrumental when the Bombers turned the tables on the Blues in round 20.

He had 34 possessions, took ten marks, laid six tackles and kicked a goal in the victory over the archrival that also kept the Dons finals prospects alive.

Essendon Coach John Worsfold said Heppell could go to an even greater level in 2018 with an injury free pre-season under his belt.

“Guys like ‘Hep’ coming back had a really solid year for us but we know he’s got more,” Worsfold said.

“He’s one player coming back that we didn’t give a spell throughout the year. We got him through by managing his training load.

“The best players have their best years when they’re out there training every week.

“Unfortunately ‘Hep’ couldn’t do that this year so our focus has to be having ‘Hep’ doing a really good pre-season where he maintains his workload all the way through.”