EXPECTATIONS don't appear to faze Dyson Heppell. In fact, not much at all seems to get under the skin of the laid-back Essendon defender.

Heppell became the first Bomber to win the NAB AFL Rising Star after a standout first season in 2011. But in every game he played - and he played all 23 for the year - he was challenged. 

At the start of his first season he found himself ignoring his instincts and concentrating on his man. As it wore on, and his comfort levels grew, he stayed accountable, but began to make the play rather than follow it. 

Later in the season opponents started to drag him deeper into defence to negate his run, a trend that has continued at times early this year. He got over that, too, swapping with teammates and making sure his attributes - like his vision, smarts and disposal - weren't wasted.

More than a year on, Heppell says he has learned to "play the game better and smarter". He's tried to improve his leadership, is speaking up in meetings now, and is confident people will listen and respect what he says.

There has also been some changes on the home front. After living with Essendon development (and new Bendigo) coach Hayden Skipworth last year, he has moved into a house with his older brother Jamin in Moonee Ponds, just minutes away from Windy Hill.

But as much as some things have changed, expectations haven't. The 19-year-old feels he is still judged by the same standards as last year. 

"There's been no real expectations from inside the club," Heppell told AFL.com.au.

"At the start of the year everyone was talking about more pressure being on me because of the Rising Star and whatnot, but I haven't found that so far.

"I'm just really trying to enjoy my footy and take it exactly the way I did last year. I do put a fair bit of pressure on myself to play well but it's all fine."

Heppell started the season playing on the wing and through the midfield. However, in the last couple of weeks, particularly against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, he has moved back to defence more permanently to set up play.

In the 67-point win over the Lions, he found 34 disposals, with 27 uncontested. His teammates have no qualms giving him the ball, knowing it is in good hands.

But he's working at his inside game, too. He's put on some weight and feels more confident in holding his ground in contests. At stoppages, he has used that bigger body to create more space to get free. They are little steps to becoming an even more damaging, complete player.

"It's just about improving my craft," he says.

Essendon itself is a team improving its overall play. After a hard-fought opening three wins, the Bombers' style has seemed to gel. This week's clash against an unbeaten West Coast is the club's next challenge, but Heppell says the Bombers are confident against anyone.

"We definitely didn’t get over the line easy in those first few games and we were in a harder training phase at that stage so to get those wins under the belt was fantastic," Heppell said.

"We've been in some pretty good form but obviously West Coast also has been.

"I think the way we're playing at the moment, we'll give any team in the competition a good shot."

Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.