Dyson Heppell won’t shy away from giving his teammates feedback but will do it in a caring way.

That’s the new Essendon Captain’s plan as he enters the next phase in his career.

The 24 year old was named Bombers skipper for the 2017 season, taking over from Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson.

“Both Brendon and Jobe have been enormous support for me, I spoke to both of them last night and I’m very thankful for their support and nothing will change in the way they go about their leadership,” Heppell said.

The All-Australian and Crichton Medal winning midfielder has been no stranger to extra training sessions throughout his career.

“I feel like I can be quite demanding on my teammates and I feel I have a healthy respect from them,” he said.

“The way I go about my leadership and my footy is probably not so much slamming blokes, I’m happy to give it if it needs to be … but I’m quite understanding in picking up players and giving feedback.

“I do really care for my teammates.”

Heppell will get his first chance to lead the side on to the field as the Club’s official Captain next week when the Bombers open the JLT Community Series against Collingwood.

It will be his first competitive outing in the red and black in 529 days, but Heppell’s confident he and his returning teammates will be well prepared.

“I’m extremely confident we can have a big impact at AFL level this year,” Heppell said.

“We put in a really strict program last year and coming back we’ve been monitored really well by the fitness staff and the coaching group.

“We’ve been hitting plenty of bodies, getting that physical contact in.

“I’ve no doubt we’ll be fine getting through the rigours of an AFL season.”