Essendon will be aiming to make better use of its time in possession when it meets Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Bombers are coming off a 32-point loss to GWS. 

The side gathered 55 more disposals than the Giants on Sunday, but were unable to make it count on the scoreboard.

“Just our inability to use the ball effectively is really hurting us at the moment,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

“It’s not one player, it’s not one decision but it’s really poor.

“Our inability to score and capitalise when we had the ball cost us this game.” 

The Bombers beat the Giants in most statistical categories including contested and uncontested possessions, marks, inside 50’s and clearances.

But despite having less of the ball, the Giants took more marks inside 50 and converted their opportunities better than the Bombers.

“We’re making poor decisions, therefore the efficiency is very low,” Essendon Assistant Coach Mark Harvey said.

“We can’t get a positive on the scoreboard where we can get three or four goals up at any one given time, so that keeps the opposition in the game which is always an issue particularly when you’re on the road. 

“It’s ball use, it’s decision making, it’s players that complicate our ball movement that are causing us some issues when we should be putting games beyond doubt.” 

Despite the loss, Brendon Goddard and Brent Stanton continued their good form collecting 60 possessions between them.

Defenders Michael Hibberd and Mark Baguley were also influential.

Baguley kept GWS forward Devon Smith to just ten possessions.

“Mark Baguley was super,” Essendon’s Defence Coach Matthew Egan said.

“In the first half he was reading the ball really well and his tackle and contest work is very good.”

Baguley ended the match with 22 possessions and ten marks.