Essendon defender Michael Hibberd has given a glowing endorsement of the club’s high altitude training camp in Boulder saying it was the catalyst for his breakthrough 2013 season.

Hibberd was one of ten Bombers to head on the trip last season and will once again join his teammates in Boulder later this month as part of the club’s high altitude camp powered by Antler Luggage.

The 23 year old finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest completing his most consistent season since joining the Bombers three years ago.

“It was a good trip last year, it really kicked off my pre-season and set me up with a good base of fitness going into the season,” Hibberd said.

“I am looking forward to that camp again as there is a few more of us this year so everyone has got a good opportunity over there.”

“It is a lot of fun, you get a lot of fitness and there is a lot to take out of it so it should be a good trip.”

One of the key points Hibberd took from last year’s camp was his ability to become a leader among the club’s younger players.

It is an attribute that he worked on throughout the season and aims to continue to build on in 2014.

“Last year it was the leadership group, the midfielders and myself so I learnt a lot from that trip and had a good season.”

“The coaches have really emphasised to me about building on my leadership amongst the younger players and I am trying to do that now with the development players here.”

“Myself, Hepp, Benny Howlett and guys like that are here to try and help the development guys for the next week or so and hopefully in Boulder it can build from there.”