Dyson Heppell has agreed on a five-year contract extension to stay with AFL club Essendon.

The talented midfielder will remain with the Bombers until the end of 2020, saying he is “absolutely stoked” to secure a long-term deal.

“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,” Heppell said.

Heppell won All-Australian selection and the Essendon club champion award in 2014.

Coach James Hird said during the Bombers’ last campaign, he had become a “leader both on and off the field”.

“There’s no debate last season 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,” Hird said.