Essendon forward Mitch Brown says a second half drop off around the centre clearances proved costly in the second half against St Kilda.

The Saints kicked 11 goals to five after the major break following an even first half.

“We weren’t happy with the second half.  The first half was really good, but the second half we kind of dropped off,” Brown said.

“There is a heap to work on so it’s pretty disappointing.

“We just got beaten around the ball.

“They got a lot of centre clearances so that made it hard to score.”

St Kilda doubled Essendon in the clearances (46-23) and were also dominant out of the centre (20-6).

Despite the team’s disappointing second half, Brown continued his recent run of good form.

The former Cat ended the match four goals and six marks.

After starting in defence in round one, Brown has found a home in attack where he’s working alongside an inexperienced group.

Today’s forward set-up included Mark Baguley for the second time in three weeks, Mason Redman, Orazio Fantasia and Joe Daniher who ended the game with two goals.

“It has taken a few weeks to gel together, but I think over the last month to six weeks we’ve been pretty good,” Brown said. 

The Bombers have a six day break before they line up against Richmond for Dreamtime at the ‘G.