STRUGGLING Essendon forward Jake Carlisle is at odds with coach Mark Thompson who has refused to guarantee Carlisle will play on Anzac Day.

Carlisle’s attitude on the ground is a concern for Thompson who twice this week flagged Carlisle’s position could be in jeopardy.

Former backman Carlisle is not happy playing as a forward and it’s understood at one stage during the St Kilda game on Saturday night he had a robust discussion with Thompson on the telephone from the bench.

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Thompson spoke with Carlisle at three-quarter time and the body language from the coach indicated he was not happy.

Clearly Carlisle is frustrated about his position and Thompson is frustrated with Carlisle’s output as a key forward, both offensively and defensively.

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Carlisle’s manager Anthony McConville last night had a meeting with his player, prompted by Thompson’s comments that Carlisle could be omitted for the Collingwood game.

Fox Footy commentator Dermott Brereton labelled Carlisle a “sook” after his performance on Saturday.

“You can’t sook about the fact you’ve gone forward,” Brereton said.

“I actually think you’re playing out of position … but you’re playing in the team, don’t sook it up if it doesn’t go your way.”

Carlisle’s transformation from All-Australian contender in June 2013 to failing forward after five rounds in 2014 is one of the reasons why Essendon’s form has fluctuated.

Carlisle, 22, has gone goalless three times and has also been asked to handle the ruck duties while Paddy Ryder was injured.

News_Image_File: Jake Carlisle at Essendon training. Picture: Michael Klein.

Thompson yesterday said Carlisle did not work hard enough on the ground.

“He’s in danger (of getting dropped) because he’s not been in great form. And that’s a bit of a shame because he’s got lots of potential and a lot of ability,” Thompson said.

“He’s been asked to play in the ruck, too, which is not ideal for someone who’s probably never played in the ruck.”

Thompson said pre-season his “gonads were on the line” with the Carlisle-Michael Hurley switch, and he said yesterday he intended to continue with Hurley as a defender and Carlisle as forward.

Asked if the experiment had backfired, Thompson said: “I don’t think it would matter where Jakey played at the moment.

“He’s not out of the side at the moment, he’s still in, so if he really wants to play he’ll show he wants to play.”

News_Rich_Media: Dermott Brereton has criticised the lax approach of Essendon's Jake Carlisle after the forward was found wanting on a number of occasions over the weekend.

Ruckman Tom Bellchambers and best-and-fairest winner Brendon Goddard could return for Friday’s blockbuster against Collingwood.

If Bellchambers, who got through his first 2014 hit-out in the VFL last week, wins selection it will pile even more pressure on Carlisle.

The Bombers will welcome back goalsneak Jason Winderlich.

Under fire for his comments about his players’ recovery after the Fremantle debacle, Thompson yesterday said allegations he had distanced himself from the players were “outrageous”.

He noted that Gary Ablett would complete extra sessions at midnight following matches during their Geelong days.

“So that’s what they’re expected to do, I didn’t (know) what our boys did last week and I won’t know what they do this week, and I don’t think anyone really knows,” Thompson said.

“They have to get themselves in a state ready to play, no matter what the outlook is. If you’re not feeling great you’ve got the responsibility to get yourself right.”

While clearly frustrated with Carlisle, Thompson labelled his junior forward partner Joe Daniher a professional.

“He’s a bit of a freak really in how he recovers,” Thompson said.

News_Rich_Media: Essendon coach Mark Thompson addresses the media after his side's loss to St Kilda.