Essendon Football Club is thrilled to announce Dyson Heppell has agreed to a five-year contract extension.

One of the competition’s most exciting midfielders, the new deal will see Heppell remain a Bomber until the end of the 2020 season.

The 22-year-old’s re-commitment comes off the back of a career-best season, which included selection in the 2014 All-Australian team and his maiden Crichton Medal triumph.

“I’m absolutely stoked to have re-committed to this great footy club,” Heppell said.

“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.”

Senior coach James Hird said Heppell has emerged as a genuine leader of the football club.

“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.

“There’s no debate last season saw Dyson’s 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.”

List Manager Adrian Dodoro believes Heppell’s decision shows the belief the playing group has in the club’s future.

“We’re thrilled that Dyson will be with the club for a further five years,” Dodoro said.

“Dyson’s new deal is a vote of confidence in his teammates and the direction of the football program.”

“He is a terrific young man, the ultimate professional and is such a fantastic role model for both his teammates and this great football club.”

Managing director of i50 Management Marty Pask revealed positive discussions with the club resulted in a swift decision.

“We’re thrilled Dyson and the football club has agreed to the new deal so early in the year,” Pask said.

“Dyson believes in the future direction of the Essendon Football Club, so for him the decision to re-commit for a further five years was simple.”