ESSENDON premiership player Chris Heffernan believes the Bombers are well placed to achieve on-field success as he prepares to stand down from the club's board.

The 38-year-old has served on the Bombers' board for the past six years, but will officially stand down at the December annual general meeting.  

"Chris has made an important contribution to the club during his tenure on the board," chairman Lindsay Tanner said.

"He joined as a director at the end of 2011 and has played a pivotal role as football director and as a member of list management.

"He was heavily involved, with CEO Xavier Campbell, in a number of key football department decisions, including the football department review and senior coach selection process at the end of 2015.

"On behalf of the board and everyone at Essendon, I would like to thank Chris for his service to the club as a director."

Heffernan played 123 games for Essendon and was a member of the Bombers' 2000 premiership team.

Having sat on the board throughout the darkest period in the club's history, he believes the "foundations are strong" for a turnaround in fortunes.

"The club is very special to me, and I will always do what I can to assist," Heffernan said.

"It was an honour to play for Essendon, and the same goes for being appointed to serve on the board.

"I've been lucky to serve under some wonderful Essendon chairman in David Evans, Paul Little and Lindsay Tanner and I think we can all take confidence from the fact that the club is in great hands going forward with Lindsay, Xavier Campbell and John Worsfold.

"I would like to thank all our members, staff and players for their wonderful loyalty in sticking with the club through an incredibly tough period in its history.

"I'm optimistic they’ll be rewarded with some on-field success in the not-to-distant future.

"It's not a given, it will require a lot of hard work (and luck) but our foundations are strong and I'm confident we are well positioned."