IN HIS five years at Adelaide Shaun McKernan found he was getting so worked up mentally before games that it was having a negative impact on the way he performed.

So he counts his decision to seek out the advice of Essendon psychologist Jonah Oliver as a major factor in the way he has been able to turn his career around at his second club.

"For me it was about controlling my emotions out on the field and in the build up to the game," McKernan told AFL.com.au.

"I used to worry about how I was going to perform and that's the biggest thing I've worked on with the psych we've got at the club.

"He's helped me out in a big way and allowed me to focus on my consistency and not get too worried if I'm not getting a kick."

The out-of-contract big man, who says he has had preliminary discussions with the club about a new deal, played perhaps the finest game of his career against Collingwood on Sunday, controlling proceedings with 26 disposals and 29 hit-outs in his side's three-point win over Collingwood.

He says his experience at Essendon, after being promoted off the rookie list in June, has allowed him to release the shackles and focus on being the best player he can be.

The Bombers signed McKernan, after 34 games for the Crows between 2009 and 2014, as a delisted free agent last off-season.

"It's something I'd really struggled with in the past. I'd really work myself up mentally and it wouldn't work most of the time and then I'd go out and play a poor game," he said.

"But it's something I've wanted to put a fair bit of work into this year and it's definitely helped."

McKernan's late-season form has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for the Bombers.

Stand-in coach Matthew Egan has seen McKernan's development first-hand and pointed to his ability to fill the void left by the injured Tom Bellchambers (foot) as a credit to his improvement as player.

"He's learning about himself and what he needs to do. His tap work and follow up has been excellent," Egan said.

"So his development has been excellent and he's definitely helped our ruck issues.

"Hopefully that's given him belief about being the No.1 ruckman as well."

McKernan is yet to find out whether Essendon will extend his contract beyond this season, but he confirmed he wants to stay at the club in 2016.

"I spoke to my manager and he's been in discussions with the club but we'll have to see what happens," McKernan said. 

"100 per cent I'd be happy to stay. I don't want to go anywhere."