Essendon key forward Joe Daniher needs to continue to work hard to improve his form, says coach John Worsfold. 

Daniher had three behinds in the first half before eventually snapping his only goal early in the fourth term of the Dons' 15-point loss to Carlton. 

It brings his tally to 7.11 for the season.

However, the Bombers’ primary target, is ranked fourth in the competition for contested marks per game and ninth for marks inside 50 per match, suggesting that the Bombers have a potent weapon on their hands if he can convert his chances.  

"He's struggling a bit at the moment, but it's not through lack of effort. If he keeps that effort up, he'll come out of this little patch a much stronger and better footballer," Worsfold said after the 15-point loss to Carlton.

"It will happen for him. Not through hoping, but through continuing to work hard.

"We thought his work rate was a lot better today, but there were a couple of shots at goal (that were disappointing). 

"That's his job now – he's got to nail them."

Daniher had probably the best game of his season in Essendon's round two win against Melbourne. He took 15 marks that day, but and finished with 2.4 on the scoreboard.

Worsfold said the management of the players' fitness would be an issue, considering his team is largely made up of youngsters and top-up recruits who did not have a full pre-season. 

The Bombers fielded seven top-ups and five players aged 21 or under on Sunday afternoon. 

"Our conditioning guys, as well as all the coaches, are working to monitor the player loads," he said. 

"That will mean there are some training sessions where players aren't training, just trying to freshen them up. 

"We want to train to get better, but we also need the players fresh to run out and play. That's a real balancing act (and) will be an ongoing challenge for us."

Mathew Stokes will be in doubt to play against the Sydney Swans in a twilight match on Saturday at the SCG. 

The two-time premiership Cat came off the field in the first quarter and had a hamstring worked on but played out the game and notched up 15 disposals.

"Stokes was very tight in a hamstring early," Worsfold said.

"He's getting a scan in the morning (on Monday). 

"There's some risk he's got some slight hamstring damage but we'll check that out."