Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy has jumped to the defence of current Bombers coach John Worsfold, after the Dons slipped to 15th following their fourth straight loss.
To make matters worse, they gave Carlton their first win of the season, as the Blues jumped off the bottom of the ladder courtesy of a 13-point win over the Bombers on Saturday afternoon.
Despite their slump, Sheedy believes fans shouldn't doubt Worsfold's ability to coach, citing recent history as evidence.
“Let’s remember he’s been to two Grand Finals in the last 10 or so years and won one and lost won by a kick, he’s not a coach that can’t coach I can assure you,” Sheedy told SEN Breakfast on Monday morning.
“He just needs to believe in himself, the coach needs to have confidence.”
Sheedy believes the current Bombers outfit lacks experience and a veteran presence, with a number of the club's older players shown the door in recent years, without anyone being brought in to replace them.
“We’ve lost a lot of experienced players out of the club and it’s not easy to replace experienced players and I always tried to top up my team with experience,” Sheedy added.
“I think those two or three experienced players help a young side coming through, but what’s happened is we kept losing guys like a Jake Carlisle, Jake Melksham, Michael Hibberd, Paddy Ryder’s a superstar.
“We just lost those four or five players and you don’t replace them immediately and of course if you’re not playing with much confidence you look pretty ordinary.
“I’m frustrated, I’ve seen the team play well for a half over and over, but I think the talent’s there personally, but obviously we should be playing better than what we are.”
Essendon have used the most players this season (33), as Worsfold continues to struggle to find his best 22.
The Bombers take on Geelong on Saturday, who are currently sitting third after winning four of their past five games.
