Key back Deacon Kalpakis has been vital to Essendon's five-game VFL winning streak.

Despite kicking the year off with the Coburg Lions, Kalpakis was earmarked by the Bombers to sure up the defence as a mid-season recruit and landed at the Club for a round 12 debut, taking little time to endear himself to teammates and Windy Hill onlookers.

He played the role of 'swingman saviour' last week, rolling forward to take a crucial contested mark in the dying stages of the fourth term and helping the Dons to a thrilling one-point win over Collingwood. That win has placed the side in a 'win and they're in' scenario for the finals picture ahead of Saturday's last home-and-away game against the Swans.

Kalpakis has described his transition into the Essendon VFL program as seamless, acknowledging coaching staff as welcoming of his strengths, and supportive of development.

“Everyone at the club has been really welcoming, from coaching staff to the leaders 'Xav' and 'Jacko', who have given me confidence to come into the team and play to my strengths," Kalpakis said.

“I’m encouraged to keep playing to my strengths, but (Cameron Joyce and backline coach Gary Rohan) are also challenging me to improve different areas of my game every week.

“That balance has been valuable and has helped me continue developing as a player.” 

Despite only six appearances in the red and black so far, Kalpakis' mindset towards the Club suggests he's right at home.

“Essendon has an incredible history and passionate supporters. Every time you pull on the sash, you want to represent the club the right way." Kalpakis said.

“I especially love playing our home games at Windy Hill. The crowd always gets right behind us, and it's a great place to play." 

Kalpakis has made his presence known in the back half with his bravery in flight and clean distribution under pressure.

Even then, he's keeping things simple as far as his role's concerned.

“My role is pretty simple. Compete hard, defend first, help organise the backline through voice and provide some intercept marking when the opportunity arises. If I can do that consistently then I'm doing my job," Kalpakis said.

Working closely with defensive teammates like Tyler Sellers has assisted in the transition to a new club.

It's a partnership that their coaches have very quickly taken to.

“T-Sel, my fellow 'bash brother' as Gary Rohan calls us, brings plenty of experience and communication, which makes my job easier. We've built a strong connection and understanding of each other's games as key defenders," Kalpakis said.

“Team defence has been a massive focus since I’ve joined and particularly over the last four weeks we’ve seen some huge growth in that area.”

“For me, it's more about how I contribute to the team than individual stats.

“If I've defended well, won my contests, helped my teammates and we've come away with the four points, then I'd consider that a good game.”

While embracing the challenge, the importance of Saturday’s matchup with Sydney to the fate of the side isn’t lost on Kalpakis.

He believes the group is taking the pressure in stride and knuckling down on their commitment to initial processes.

“Everyone knows what's at stake, but our focus is on controlling what we can each week," Kalpakis said.

“Prepare well, stick to our processes and take it one game at a time. If we keep doing that, we'll give ourselves every chance to play finals.”

Essendon VFL continue their hunt for finals at Windy Hill on Saturday from 1:05pm.