Essendon’s future leaders have already emerged.

Current captain Jobe Watson praised the efforts of Dyson Heppell and the rest of the leadership group for stepping up in the 2015 season.

Midfielder Dyson Heppell took over the captaincy midway through the season after Watson underwent surgery on an injured shoulder.

The 23-year-old showed great leadership on and off the field, demonstrating his potential as a future captain of the Cclub. 

“I think (Heppell) is certainly capable of doing it,” said Watson when asked about Heppell’s future as a captain

“I think that Hepp could step into the role.”

Although Watson did not discount Heppell’s actions as the stand in captain, he did believe that the Club’s leadership group was in such a strong position that anyone from that group could step up to the role.

A major aim for the players this year was to create a culture of shared leadership and responsibility among the entire list. 

This is reflected best by the 2015 leadership group which features a diverse mix of players of differing ages, positions and stages of their career.

“You want to create an environment where (leadership) is not just left to one person, there are multiple people that can step in and do the job,” said Watson

“That’s the sign of a good leadership group.”

The current group is made up of Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, David Myers, David Zaharakis, Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard, the now retired Paul Chapman and the 2015 Crichton Medallist Cale Hooker.

A strong leadership group does not only reduce the pressure on the captain, but it also prepares for the future and helps develop a strong culture within the playing group. 

With such a strong backing, Watson is excited about returning to the field in 2016 as the captain of the Essendon Football Club.