Dyson Heppell says he and his Essendon teammates are ‘driving a new culture’ as the Club’s pre-season reaches the halfway point.

The Bombers Vice-Captain spoke to the media before the team’s final training session of the year, which took place before hundreds of Essendon fans.

Heppell said the players are demanding high standards from each other on the training track.

“We’re trying to drive a new culture, be really hard on each other and prove that by our performances,” he said.

“It all starts here in the pre-season and I guess come the start of the year hopefully we can win a few games of footy.”

Essendon won six games last season and finished in 15th position.

Heppell said the Bombers could draw inspiration from teams like the Western Bulldogs and West Coast who came from outside the top eight to make the finals in 2015.

“Teams have obviously showed how quickly you can turn things around,” Heppell said.

“We certainly don’t think we’re a 6-16 team either. 

“It’s very exciting to see what we can do this year but we’re keeping it pretty measured.”

The Bombers added a number of quality young players to their list including top-end draft picks Darcy Parish and Aaron Francis.

“Those two have fitted in brilliantly,” Heppell said. 

“I’ve been really impressed with the way they’ve attacked it as have all the young guys. 

“I’m here for guidance if they need me and happy to share my experiences.”