Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell will wait until later into the season to make a call on his future, with the veteran Bomber to see where things sit with the club and how he's feeling come the conclusion of 2023.

Currently in his 13th year in the red and black, the 31-year-old has managed to play in all but one of his side's 13 matches so far this season, with Heppell managing to find the form required after a difficult 2022 campaign.

Since handing over the club captaincy to Zach Merrett, the Leongatha junior has seemingly flourished with a sole focus on his football.

Heppell committed to Essendon with a one-year deal last September, noting his plans to remain a one-club player and end his career as a Bomber at the time. That decision came amid interest from the Gold Coast Suns, who were rumoured to have a multi-year deal on the table for the defender.

Now facing another call on his future, this time it'll likely be between choosing to continue on in the red sash or call time on his tenure.

Speaking toย 7 News,ย Heppell revealed he will wait to see how both he and the club see where their partnership stands later to this year.

"If I'm a wanted player and I want to go on again, (then) happy days," Heppell said.

"But also, I don't want to carry on and drag it out if there's someone else that can step in and play my role."

The Bombers are likely to prioritise the signatures of several key assets still off-contract through the coming months, with Essendon home to two restricted free agents in defender Mason Redman and midfielder Darcy Parish.

As well as both Redman and Heppell, members of Essendon's defensive unit in Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Massimo D'Ambrosio are also unsigned for 2024.

Young tall Harrison Jones, fringe ruckman Nick Bryan and forward pair Jye Menzie, and Wil Snelling are also among those yet to confirm their futures at Tullamarine.