Essendon captain Dyson Heppell is resolute in his belief the Bombers can return to the brand of football that led them to the finals last year, despite falling to 1-4 after a disappointing performance against Fremantle on Easter Sunday.

The Bombers' team defence, midfield performance and pressure have been put under the microscope this week, with the club falling to 15th after starting the season as a premiership contender a month ago.

Heppell and Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury spoke to the media ahead of Monday's Anzac Day blockbuster at the MCG, the Bombers skipper confident his side can recapture its identity in time to resurrect its campaign, just as it did last year when recovering from a 2-7 start to play in September.

"I think we try and stand for a blue collar, hardworking team. I think that's what the foundation of what Essendon itself is built off," Heppell said.

"The word 'effort' has been thrown out there; no one goes out there not to try; we've reviewed this really hard.

"The brand that we managed to produce last year, we had a real identity around our pressure and our speed, our ability to hunt ground balls, hunt the opposition and win the ball back in the forward half. They are a lot of the key pillars that have stood up in our game and have been patchy and inconsistent so far this year.

"Full confidence and belief in the group. I have no doubt that it won't take a month, six-week period, we can turn it around really quickly. Pretty sure we were in a similar position last year and still managed to make the eight."

Heppell said it was important Essendon maintained its normal routine reviewing the loss to the Dockers and preparing for the Magpies, rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water. 

"You've got to keep things consistent; you've got to review it properly, which we have and we will continue to do that over the coming days and then train with real intent and purpose and that’s the way we've been approaching it, week-in, week-out," he said.

"I think we've put in a body of work, it just hadn’t shown up on game day. I have full trust and belief that we will get that back on track."

With vice-captain Zach Merrett sidelined with a syndesmosis injury and veteran leader Michael Hurley still missing with a long-term hip injury, Heppell and deputy vice-captain Andrew McGrath have had to wear the brunt of the scrutiny this week.

"You take things to heart at times (as captain), but internally you've got to try and steady the ship," he said. "I think guys have handled things really, really well. They've taken ownership of how we're performing and we're not shying away from that. A really great opportunity. What better way than trying to stand up on Anzac Day?"