Essendon coach Mark Thompson has applauded the performance of midfielder Dyson Heppell in Friday night’s loss to Geelong.

Heppell collected a career high 40 disposals against the Cats with his performance rated by most experts as best on ground.

Thompson said it was important to acknowledge the work rate of the young midfielder.

“I look for the good players when the team isn’t going so well and Hepp stood up, he just continually plays well,” Thompson said.

“You have to love guys that whether you are winning or losing play the same way and make the same decisions most of the time.”

Thompson said the dedication shown from Heppell on and off the field was first class.

“He is just a pro, everyone would love him if they were working with him,” Thompson said.

“He ticks all the boxes every week, admits the thing he needs to work on and he doesn’t hide or try and cover them up.”

“He is a super human being and we are lucky to have him at Essendon.”

“If we had more Dyson Heppell’s around the place then we wouldn’t be doing too much wrong.”

Teammates Brendon Goddard joined the chorus of those praising Heppell’s display in the nine-point loss.

“It is good to see Dyson getting some of the recognition that he deserves,” Goddard said.

“He is a super player, he is an elite preparer and he is a guy who I saw come into the system and just figure out what it takes to play AFL footy and consistent AFL footy.”

Heppell is a member of the club’s seven-man leadership group led by injured captain Jobe Watson.