STAR Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell has signed a five-year contract extension to stay with the Bombers until the end of the 2020 season.

 

The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2014 that included his first All Australian selection and maiden best and fairest win, said he was overjoyed to sign the new deal.

 

"I'm absolutely stoked to have re-committed to this great footy club," Heppell told the club's website.

 

"To play for the club I supported as a young kid makes me pretty proud to be honest, and to be able to pull on the sash for another five years is a massive honour.

 

"The last couple of years we've shown we can play some solid footy, we want to play and win finals, and with the guys we’ve brought in over the summer the future of the footy club is looking solid."

 

Heppell, selection No.8 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, emerged as one of the competition's best young players after a stellar 2014 season and there is more improvement to come, according to Bombers coach James Hird.

 

Hird praised Heppell, who averaged career-highs in disposals (28.5), tackles (4.5) and clearances (5.3) last season, for his leadership and for the way he started to change the course of games.

 

"Dyson's new contract is terrific news for everyone involved with the club, and I know our supporters will be excited to see one of their favourite players in the red and black for a further five years," Hird said.

 

"Dyson is a great player to coach and from my perspective, it's been extremely pleasing to see him emerge as a leader both on and off the field.

 

"Last season [we] saw Dyson play his best football, his ability to stand up and change the outcome of a contest was impressive and the most pleasing aspect is he still has his best years ahead of him."

 

Heppell has played 84 games in four seasons at the Bombers.