Collective improvement and better ‘effort and intent’ will help turn Essendon’s season around according to midfield star Dyson Heppell.

The Bombers lost by 110 points to St Kilda, to fall further outside the top eight.

“It’s about the players, we’re all in this together once again and we need to get through this period,” Heppell said.

“We didn’t bring our effort or intent and it’s very disappointing.”

The loss leaves the Bombers with four wins from their 13 games this season, but Heppell says support for the coach remains strong.

“We love Hirdy – love having Hirdy round. Everyone has got so much respect for the man."

Heppell also spoke of the side’s disappointment in not being able to honour Jobe Watson’s 200th game in a fitting manner.

“It was very disappointing,” Heppell said.

“Jobe has stood up for us time and time again in remarkable situations.

“As a team, we really wanted to honour him and to be honest it was one of the most disappointing games I’ve been a part of.”

Heppell was one of the shining lights for the Bombers.

The midfielder gathered 32 possessions, including 14 disposals and two goals in the second term.

“If other guys don’t stand up around Jobe, it makes it very hard for him,” Heppell said.

“We need our good players standing up to perform as a team.”