Dyson Heppell has praised the leadership of Jobe Watson as the former Captain prepares to return to the side.

Watson sat out the Bombers win over St Kilda but shapes as a likely inclusion against North Melbourne on Saturday as the Dons look to record three wins in a row for the first time since 2014.

The 32 year old’s disposals (25 per game), marks (six per game) and tackles (five per game) are up on the numbers he produced in his most recent season in 2015 but Heppell said Watson’s contribution stretches well beyond match day.

“I feel Jobe has been fantastic this year, not only on field but I feel his off field leadership has been remarkable,” Heppell told RSN.

“I think not having the burden over his head like the last few years, I really feel he’s been very open and flexible with his leadership.

“I’ve really enjoyed that and it has made my role easier.

“I feel his form is building as well – he’s had some great games and been a bit off in other weeks as a lot of us returning players have.

“He’ll build into the backend of the year and play some really strong footy and I’d love to see him play on again but he’ll assess the situation at the end of the season and make that call.”

The Bombers enter Saturday’s match against the Kangaroos on the back of a 61-point win over the Saints.

Heppell said the side’s ability to win all four quarters against a fellow finals contender showcased the growing synergy within the group.

“It all seemed to click last week, it was a very pleasing performance,” Heppell said.

“We played some pretty strong footy in patches throughout the year, but that was probably our best overall four-quarter performance.

“We’re starting to build that real chemistry together, a lot of the group hadn’t played together before.

“We’re 18 games in now and really starting to find out how each other plays and getting to know our teammates really well.

“We’re enjoying our footy and things are building nicely.”