Midfielder Dylan Shiel says a straightforward approach to reviewing Essendon’s heavy loss to Greater Western Sydney has kept the Bombers’ minds clear ahead of their clash with St Kilda on Saturday.

The former Giant admitted it was a “challenging time” falling 72 points short of his old side on Sunday as the Dons were outplayed throughout the contest.

But he said senior coach John Worsfold was clear in his evaluation of the game, ensuring the players had no doubt about where the match was lost.

“’Woosh’ keeps it pretty simple, which is what I like, because we can tend to overcomplicate football and if you listen to external noise it gets even more complicated,” Shiel said on RSN on Thursday.

“We stayed away from addressing structures and game plan (this week). I think it really just came down to effort and intent for us, it obviously wasn’t at the level required to compete and hence the result against a quality outfit in the Giants.”

Dylan Shiel leaves the ground after Essendon's disappointing performance against Greater Western Sydney.

One of the side’s best performers in the defeat was young Bomber Andrew McGrath, who worked tirelessly to gather 23 disposals, four clearances and four rebound 50s.

Shiel singled out the emerging midfielder as the player who has most caught his attention in his short time at The Hangar.

“Someone that I did know a lot of, because I watched him in his first few years, is Andy McGrath.

“He’s a seriously impressive person, but as a player he looks pretty serious out there; he’s quick, he’s agile and he knows how to play the game.

“I’ve really been impressed with him.”

Shiel has drawn on the insights of former coach and club legend Kevin Sheedy this week as the Bombers strive to return to their best against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s only round one. As ‘Sheeds’ would say, you’re only four points from the top.

“Yes, we didn’t get the result or perform anywhere near where we think we can (in round one), but in a week’s time if we can change that around then the public opinion of us can change pretty quickly.

“Internally, the guys at the club know how we can perform.

“We’re training really well and this weekend, if we can transfer that on to a really good performance, then we’re on the right track again.”

All eyes will be on Essendon when they take on the Saints from 4:35pm.

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