Coach John Worsfold expects another busy AFL trade period for Essendon amid a growing likelihood they will fall short of finals this season.

The Bombers were among the most active clubs during the 2017 trade window, bringing in former Western Bulldogs premiership player Jake Stringer as well as Devon Smith and Adam Saad.

Essendon coach John Worsfold. Credit:AAP

But the Dons' dreadful performance in the first half of the season means they are unlikely to secure the top-eight finish most pundits had been anticipating.

With three rounds remaining the 11th-placed Bombers are two games outside the finals and need everything to go right to be part of September action.