Essendon youngster Shaun Edwards has praised the guidance and mentorship of senior players Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell during his first season at the club.

The 21-year-old failed to play a senior game in his first season at the club after two seasons at Greater Western Sydney.

It was an injury riddled 2014 season for Edwards who has performed well in pre-season training prior to Christmas.

“This is my first full year of pre-season so I have done one hudnred per cent of everything thus far,” Edwards said. 

“They obviously don’t get any easier as they go but it has been really enjoyable and the beautiful weather has made it even better.”

Edwards said he had enjoyed the new environment since making the move to the True Value Solar Centre at the end of last season.

“I really enjoyed my first year at Essendon, everyone has been really warming and all the players have been really awesome,” he said. 

“The new facility has been great and I have really enjoyed playing out here so it has been really good.”

While he is not setting his expectations to high for the 2015 season, consistency is the key to playing more senior football as he searches for his debut in the red and black. 

“Hopefully I can break in to play a few games,” Edwards said.

“I just really need to look for some consistent performances throughout the year whether that be at VFL or at senior level.”