Dyson Heppell is confident big man Tom Bellchambers is set for a big season following an injury interrupted 2014.

The loss of Patrick Ryder to Port Adelaide during the trade period was off set by the recruitment of Greater Western Sydney ruckman Jonathan Giles to the club.

Heppell is excited about what the new combination of Giles and Bellchamebrs can achieve in 2015.

“Tom Bellchambers is looking very fit at the moment, he will keep his body in check and hopefully be a big key for us,” Heppell said.

“Picking up Jonathan Giles will certainly add a lot to us in that area of the field I think..

Essendon was booted from the first week of finals this season after losing its elimination final against North Melbourne at the MCG.

The 2014 Crichton Medal winner is confident his side can continue to improve next season and go even deeper into September.

“Obviously playing that first final last year was outstanding for the group to get that taste but it was disappointing to bow out that early,” he said.

“I really think that we will be looking to push deep into September this year and it starts from a big pre-season.

“I can’t wait to see how we go.”

Heppell returned to training on Wednesday with the club’s first to fourth year players but will remain on a modified program before the full playing group returns on November 17.

“I am building into it at the moment, I had a bit of time off with my foot so it is just a management type process at the moment,” he said.

“I am getting back into it and starting the running now so I will get back into it and join the main group at the end of next week.

“The rest of the boys are back on the 17^th so it will be great to be back by then and it will be fantastic to get the whole group back together.”