The Pies’ fast start was all the difference in their win over the Bombers, according to coach John Worsfold.

The Dons weren't at the races from the opening bounce and looked second-rate compared to the ferocious Pies, who responded to a fortnight of immense scrutiny with a thumping 69-point win. 

To the Bombers' credit, they fought on and won the second half by seven points, but a disappointed Worsfold was left lamenting his side's start.

"That first half was really disappointing from a lot of viewpoints. We were pretty disappointed with ourselves at half-time," Worsfold said post-match. 

"I thought they did (have a crack in the second half). Not to the level that we outscored them by a lot, but we played a lot better footy in the second half – more like they style of footy we're trying to play consistently."

Worsfold said he would have to look at who the Dons had around the ball early after now trailing heavily at quarter-time to Collingwood (45 points), Port Adelaide (36) and Gold Coast (29) in three of their four losses.

After half-time against the Pies, the Bombers moved Brendon Goddard, Adam Cooney and Courtenay Dempsey into the middle with better effect, while a couple of youngsters pushed forward and had an impact.

Goddard had 15 of his 24 touches after half-time, while Orazio Fantasia booted two goals from his 25 disposals to be his side's best player. 

"We changed the line-up a fair bit, threw players into different roles," Worsfold said. 

"Fantasia went more forward and it was really exciting what he showed in the second half playing that role. Zach Merrett played more in the forward half in the second half and helped us up there. 

"We put more mature players around the wing and midfield, whereas we had a lot of kids – we started with Fantasia and (Darcy) Parish on wings, pretty young. 

"Maybe it was the occasion or the heat of the game early, but as a group we weren't ready for that challenge." 

The Bombers, who have dropped to 17th on the ladder, now face what shapes as an early battle for an important four points against likely wooden-spoon rival Carlton on Sunday.

The 15th-placed Blues are buoyant coming off a shock four-point win over Fremantle on the road and Worsfold, a former Carlton assistant coach, hopes his side can give a better effort.

"I know from being at Carlton in the past it's seen as a really traditional clash," he said. 

"A few Essendon people probably back before Christmas did say to me they look forward to the Carlton clash as much as any clash throughout the year. 

"It's a big traditional clash between great rivals."