Dyson Heppell says the buoyant mood his teammates experienced upon their return to the Club remains just as strong as the pre-season reaches the half-way stage. 

The Bombers have been put through a searching schedule that has included extended sessions and a weeklong trip to a Navy training base.

There are a few sessions remaining for the calendar year, including Tuesday’s Open Training, and Heppell said there are no signs the enthusiasm is wearing off. 

“It’s very exciting and our supporters have been enormous – they’ve stuck with us through thick and thin,” Heppell told Triple M. 

“It’s a very exciting time at the Club and we’ve got a very good vibe going at the moment. 

“It’s just great to get around the boys and really enjoy going back to the footy club again. 

“It is a real unknown how we’re going to go. 

“We’re looking to improve as a group and they made some massive inroads last year and bred a couple of the young boys so it is very exciting.”  

The returning players are being closely monitored throughout the pre-season as they reintegrate back into regular training.

Heppell mentioned fellow midfielder Travis Colyer as one of the players who has adjusted well to the  training load.

“Travis Colyer has been outstanding so far this pre-season,” he said.

“He’s really developed his body over this last year and he’s fit and firing and moving really well.

“He adds plenty to the group so it’ll be exciting to see how he goes this year." 

Heppell shapes as a possible contender for the Essendon captaincy in 2017.

The 24 year old said there are several capable candidates with the decision expected to be announced early next year.

Jobe Watson has led the Club for six seasons and would shape as a potential option should he want to pursue the role. 

“He’s in a really good space at the moment.  I think he’s super excited for the year ahead,” Heppell said.

“Obviously it has been an extremely tough time for him and it was quite sad what happened.

“All we can do is give him our full support and he seems in a good space, he’s training well, his body is in a fresh and healthy condition – he’s going to be in for a big year and we’re all here to support him.

“I couldn’t speak more highly of him.”