WHY? IT is the question every Essendon supporter is asking and one the Bombers aren't able to answer.

Why are they so far from playing their best footy? Why has a team that brought in three key players in the trade period and lost none gone backwards? Why can't they score and why can't they defend?

Essendon's underwhelming start to the season is full of queries with few positive conclusions.

After Sunday's loss to Melbourne – their fourth defeat in five games since round one – coach John Worsfold was forced to defend where the club is placed in its bid to make the finals this year and go on to win one for the first time since 2004, an aim clearly communicated during the pre-season.

"We're building a team that is aiming to become a really good team. We're not playing our best footy right now. We've blooded a few young kids in the past few weeks which is awesome, but overall we've got too many players who are not performing at their best and we're not performing as a tight unit at our best," he said.

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But the process of making Essendon great again should be further down the line than it appears to be positioned. The Bombers boasted seven All Australians in their side against the Demons – Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett, Brendon Goddard and Jake Stringer.

According to AFL statistician Cameron Sinclair, that's more than any other side fielded in round six, ahead of the six Swans who featured in Sydney's win over Geelong on Saturday. The Demons had three.

Being named an All Australian isn't everything and is not the main ingredient in the recipe of success, but it illustrates the ability on Essendon's list. The pieces are (mainly) there, and definitely there to be performing better than its 2-4 start.

The Bombers entered the season focusing on improving their defence after conceding on average 92 points a game last year. So far, they're averaging 98 against this year.

Joe Daniher's malaise has been symptomatic of Essendon's season. Picture: AFL Photos



Scoring has also become an issue, which Worsfold attributes to a lack of inside-50 entries. Last year they averaged 95 points a game and passed the 100-point barrier 11 times.

This year they've dropped back to an average of 84 points and have passed 100 once so far. They've dropped back to the pack in what they were good at and become worse in areas in which they were already deficient.

But why? Some factors are for all to see.

Daniher is Essendon's match-winner and has struggled for form, booting seven goals from six games. The Bombers got 90 goals from their trio of small forwards last year, but injury has sidelined Orazio Fantasia, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is yet to reach the same heights as 2017 and Josh Green may hit the scoreboard occasionally but is not in the other pair's class.

The backline has severely missed James Kelly's composure and leadership. The retired former Cat is now in Essendon's coaches box, but the Bombers haven't been able to replace his calm head on the field.

Panicked ball movement out of that area of the ground has meant Essendon has played without rhythm so far this year, save for the final quarter against Adelaide in round one and their good win over Port three weeks later.

Devon Smith has been a positive and has added some vibrancy and goalkicking power to a midfield that, save for David Zaharakis, doesn't score enough. Fellow recruit Jake Stringer, for all the attention, has kicked 10 goals, sits second in the club's goalkicking tally (behind James Stewart, who has 12) and has tried.

But the midfield continues to be an issue. The Bombers have won the clearance count in just one game so far this year (against the Power) and remain undersized in that area of the ground.

Jayden Laverde made a strong return to senior footy on Sunday and might provide some midfield bulk once his fitness picks up, while Kobe Mutch was good on debut against the Dees and adds to the depth of runners.

They should look this week at Jordan Ridley, a noted good ball-user, to add some class, while the club should give Kyle Langford a sustained run in the team to see if, and where, he fits.

Essendon's season is not in ruins, but it is in jeopardy. The club has said its expectations this season were to improve on last – when they finished seventh and lost the elimination final to Sydney. But so far, it's hard to say many Bombers have improved as individuals in 2018.