Essendon youngster Dyson Heppell continued the strong start to his career with his third season at AFL judged by some as his most imposing so far.

He continued to show his ability to rise to a new level coping with a number of heavy tags throughout the season to finish with an average of 24 disposals a game.

This is a career high after averaging 21 disposals a game in his first two seasons in the red and black.

Heppell finished runner up to Brownlow Medalist Jobe Watson in last year’s Crichton Medal count and will once again be right in contention for the award in 2013.

His leadership skills continue to shine through and were recognised in the AFL Players Association 22under22 team when he was named captain.

A foot injury cut his season short, missing the last two games of the season.

The silky midfielder is fast becoming one of the Bombers most important players and is widely acknowledge as one of the outstanding young talents throughout the competition.

Watch highlights of Heppell’s 2013 season on BomberTV above.

Click here to read Heppell’s player profile and a snapshot of his 2013 season.