Essendon coach John Worsfold says it is important for the team to stick to its tactical guns despite a disappointing loss to premiership contender West Coast on Thursday.

The Bombers took a percentage hit in the 35-point loss at Optus Stadium, leaving them placed precariously on the ladder in 10^th place from six wins and seven losses.

But regardless of the defeat, Worsfold is confident the club’s playing style can stand up against the league’s top sides when played consistently.

“The brand of footy we’ll be playing at our best will be a finals brand of footy, we absolutely believe that. We’re not playing it as well as we would like at the moment and that’s going to take ongoing commitment,” Worsfold said on Monday.

“We’re building that team, we’re two years into it – maybe 18 months into it – and it may take a little bit more time, but we’re not going to sway from what we’re trying to build, because the risks are if you sway from that you move further away from what you’re trying to achieve.

“Our supporters, I can understand that they can get frustrated, but I know what they want and if it’s the same thing that we want we’ve all got to stay committed to what we’re working on and we will get there fairly quickly.”

Worsfold said he could not single out a particular reason for the side’s mixed form throughout the season.

“It’s all aspects of the game (that we need to improve).

“Right at the moment, ideally you want your best personnel available. If you haven’t got that, you want to keep improving the way you play the game.

“You’ve got to stick to what you’re trying to implement so that you can measure it, measure where you’re at and make sure you see improvement rather than chopping and changing week to week.”

The Dons face another big test at Marvel Stadium on Thursday when they take on the third-placed Greater Western Sydney, a team that inflicted Essendon’s heaviest loss of the season in a 72-point defeat in round one.

The Bombers will be determined to rebound from their disappointing effort in round one. (Image: AFL Photos)

Worsfold was full of praise for the Giants and said the Bombers will embrace the challenge to bounce back.

“It helps us grow, learn and get better, and keep stepping up to great challenges.

“We’ve got to make sure that every week is a chance for us to learn about ourselves, where we’re at and keep improving and take on these top teams.

“(The Giants have) just a great footy squad at the moment. Their squad has been building over six or seven years and they’re moving into their prime years.

“It’s all ahead for them in terms of what they’re trying to achieve and we’re rapt to get the opportunity to take them on.”