In four and a half seasons and 98 games Dyson Heppell has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the competition.

Now the 23 year old is the Bombers stand-in Captain.

Coach James Hird confirmed the news in the rooms before the game against Melbourne.

“I want you to take your own style and put your imprint of the team,” Hird told Heppell.

“You set the example; hard in the contest, find your man quickly and use the ball properly.”

Heppell delivered on that advice, guiding his young team to a memorable victory.

Heppell laid seven tackles and kicked an important goal in the third quarter as the Bombers edged past Melbourne by nine points.