Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell has his sights firmly fixed on a finals berth after his side elevated themselves into the top eight last weekend.

It would be the first time Essendon has played finals since 2011, where they lost their elimination final to Carlton by a margin of 62 points.

“In the scheme of things, it’s coming to the pointy end of the season and we’re a realistic chance of finals,” Heppell told The Hangar.

“It would be a huge let down not to be able to play finals this year, that’s probably my number one goal, and that’s all we’re focusing on as a group.”

The Bombers have won five out of their last seven matches and are beginning to gain come consistency according to Heppell.

"We’re certainly improving every week,” he said.

“Little bits and pieces have gotten tinkered in the game plan and I really think it’s starting to click amongst the group.”

“The last few weeks have shown that we are improving.”

The 22-year-old said the increased load over the preseason has stretched the fitness base of the entire team, and we should expect a strong finish to the season.

“I think it steers back to the preseason that we put in this year,” Heppell said.

“We had quite a large preseason compared to the last couple and I think that will hold us in really good stead for the remainder of the year.”

Into his fourth season with the Bombers after debuting in 2011, Heppell is enjoying his best season to date, averaging over 28 disposals and almost five tackles a match.

Senior assistant coach Simon Goodwin couldn’t speak highly enough of the midfielder's recent form.

“Hepp is always the first guy in there doing extras and the last to leave,” Goodwin said.

“He leaves no stone unturned from week to week, whether we win or lose, whether he’s played well or whether he hasn’t played so well.”

Stand-in skipper, Brendan Goddard also commended the hard-working Heppell.

“Hepp is in footy terms is what you would call an elite preparer, in every aspect.”

Essendon have the opportunity to entrench themselves in the top eight and continue fighting for finals when they face the Western Bulldogs this Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.