Essendon veteran David Zaharakis has launched a staunch defence of the AFL club's culture following stinging criticism from Matthew Lloyd.

Lloyd, a Bombers goal-kicking legend who retired in 2009, told the Real Footy podcast this week that standards had dropped at the club since his time as a player, and the team lacked a ruthless edge.

He then told Footy Classified that the current playing group wouldn't know anything about success or culture.

But Zaharakis hit back at his ex-teammate, telling reporters that former West Coast premiership mentor John Wordfold's appointment as Essendon coach after the supplements scandal had been a turning point.