Former Essendon star Tim Watson has implored Bombers forward Joe Daniher to watch tape of the AFL's best current day forwards in a bid to help him overturn his form slump.

Daniher didn't pose a threat during Essendon's 36-point loss to the Demons on Sunday, collecting 11 disposals, taking five marks and kicking just 0.3.

The 2017 All-Australian forward has booted just seven goals from six games to start the season, and is struggling to impose himself on the contest.

โ€œThis is what I would do if I was at Essendon this morning. Iโ€™d get hold of Jack Riewoldtโ€™s tape,โ€ Watson told SEN Breakfast.

โ€œIโ€™d sit Joe down and Iโ€™d say Jack Riewoldt wasnโ€™t this player three years ago. This is what he has become though as a key forward in the game.

โ€œWatch his work rate, watch his ability to selflessly lead sometimes with no intention of getting the ball, but because he creates a vacuum of space behind him.

โ€œI think that Joe is caught in a bubble of his own performance and how he plays and that happens to all of us.

โ€œThis is how I can fit into our forward line and this is how I best serve my teamโ€™s performance and Iโ€™m not going to get the ball every time, but thereโ€™s so much I can do as a forward even when I donโ€™t have the ball.

โ€œBy watching someone else you can sometimes pick those things up.โ€

Melbourne legend Garry Lyon believes Essendon's midfielders are actually choosing not to kick the ball in Daniher's direction.

โ€œI firmly believe this, I believe theyโ€™re taking the option not to kick to him,โ€ Lyon told SEN Breakfast.

โ€œHe just didnโ€™t put himself in a position where heโ€™s going to be a target, heโ€™s playing on Oscar McDonald, whoโ€™s had a really good year, but he can struggle with big forwards because heโ€™s undersized.

โ€œI donโ€™t reckon Oscar had too many nervous moments with Joe yesterday because Joe didnโ€™t get to the dangerous positions.

โ€œSo itโ€™s work rate, intent, itโ€™s game knowledge.โ€

With the Bombers at 2-4 and in 14th position, Essendon's clash with Hawthorn on Saturday looms as a huge test for John Worsfold's side.