Newly re-signed Essendon defender Michael Hibberd has revealed his long-term leadership aspirations.

Hibberd has signed a new three-year deal that will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2017 season.

The dashing defender said he enjoyed taking on more responsibility in recent seasons.

“To know I’m a big part of the footy club now, hopefully I can build on my leadership on the ground and off the ground,” he said.

“It’s just something I’ll keep building on to hopefully get better.”

“It would be nice to develop as a player and a person as well.”

“I’m still developing as a leader and a player so over the next three years that will keep on developing and I’ll take it as it comes.”

The 24-year-old dashing defender is no-doubt in career best form, named in many experts mid-season All Australian sides.

“Playing consistent footy for the last year and a half definitely helps confidence,” Hibberd said.

“My endurance has improved and having had two full pre-seasons has really helped my football.”

“Being injury free and having an AFL body now where I’m not getting struck down by soft tissue injuries helps me keep form and confidence in my body to go every week and play consistent footy.”

His exceptional aerial skills and booming left-foot kick have helped him become one of the most important cogs in the Essendon side this season.

“My attacking game is something that comes naturally,” he said.

“Out of defence I’m able to help out the big guys in the air and at ground getting back and beating my opponents.”

“That’s something that will keep on getting better the more I play, but it’s definitely a strength of my game and something I’d like to keep building on.”

Hibberd put in a gutsy effort playing on after suffering a heavy knock to his foot in Essendon’s nine-point win over Adelaide.

He still remains in the mix to line up against the Cats on Friday night.

“It’s still a chance, I’ll probably get my foot right for now and see how I go.”

“I’ve got until Thursday to prove my fitness and I’ll think I will be able to do that.”

“It’s obviously a big game especially with Bomber and Chappy that everyone’s really excited about.”

“Both clubs really want to win- we want to push into the (top) eight and Geelong have come off a hard loss to Gold Coast.”

“It will be an exciting game so get down there and watch, it’s going to be a good one.”