Essendon youngster Dyson Heppell is hopingthe 2013 pre-season can be the cornerstone for cementing a position in themidfield.
Watch Heppell's 2012 highlights here on Bomber TV ?
The 20-year-old played an expandeddefensive job through the midfield in just his second season of footballthroughout 2012.
Playing on the competitions elitemidfielders such as Joel Selwood, Scott Pendlebury and Patrick Dangerfield helearnt what it takes to make it as a top line midfielder.
Heppell feels the upcoming summer willprovide a platform to further develop his body and be prepared for more timeplaying on the ball.
“I am hoping to put on a few more kilosagain in the pre-season and be able to cement a spot within the midfieldgroup,” Heppell said.
“Hopefully I can have another really strongpre-season and stay injury free then have another really consistent season.”
In a sign of his consistent form throughoutthe season Heppell finished runner up in the Crichton Medal behind captain JobeWatson.
He is set to play an increased rolealongside Watson, Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis, Ben Howlett and new recruitBrendon Goddard through the midfield in 2013.
The increased role is set to come withincreased responsibility and it is something that Heppell is not shying awayfrom.
“I have a long way to go in terms ofplaying in the midfield and we have some fantastic players in there at themoment that I can continue to learn from.”
“The added responsibility is something thatcomes with the role,” he said.
Heppell will join nine of his teammates at ahigh altitude camp in Bolder, Colorado on November 3.
