An insipid performance by the Bombers has the side looking for answers tonight after falling victim to a more desperate Carlton outfit at the MCG.

The Blues responded strongly from a tough week in the media spotlight to stamp a 76-point win over a lethargic looking Essendon team.

Essendon assistant coach Ashley Prescott said tonight’s performance is particularly disappointing for the side after showing it was able to match it with some of the best teams over the past fortnight.

“It was a really disappointing performance and just not good enough,” Prescott said.

“We went into the game off a strong victory over St Kilda last week, and to then produce that kind of effort is not good enough.”

The Blues looked to have control of the momentum for much of the match and punished the Bombers for their lack of intensity and accountability.

Despite a poor conversion rate in front of goal, Essendon were still in the match at the last break, trailing the Blues by 22 points. However three quick goals to Carlton allowed the opposition the momentum they needed to put the game beyond doubt and run away 76-point victors.

“The last quarter was disgraceful. We were non-competitive and we just weren’t hungry enough for the footy and that showed on the scoreboard,” Prescott said.

Prescott said next Friday night’s game against Collingwood allowed the Bombers a chance to redeem themselves on the big stage.

“We have another big game next Friday night against Collingwood and we will need to turn it around by then because tonight’s performance wasn’t good enough,” he said.

“If we produce that sort of effort next week, we are going to be taught a lesson so we need to go back and work on our deficiencies and produce something like we did against St Kilda and the Kangaroos.”
 
David Hille and Sam Lonergan were reported for engaging in rough conduct.