Even though the Bombers outscored the Crows in the first quarter on Saturday, Matthew Lloyd could see some dangerous signs.

Essendon kicked four goals to three in that opening term and were winning the clearances, but from there it all fell away.

“I could see that it was a bit of circle work,” Lloyd said. 

“Both teams weren’t defending too well and I probably thought this is dangerous for Essendon.” 

Adelaide boast one of the best forward lines in the competition and were able to kick the last goal of the first term and then the opening two goals of the second quarter to take an eight point lead. 

The Bombers had two chances in three minutes to hit back, but missed both set-shots. 

“Those two shots missed in that second quarter – I think they were from Goddard and Hooker – I think that’s probably where the issue has come from,” Lloyd said. 

“Once that resistance drops or the game starts going in the direction of the opposition – there hasn’t been enough resilience to hang in there and just dig in.” 

The Bombers task was made more difficult when David Myers was assisted from the ground after a knock to the back. 

He gathered 22 possessions in just over a half on his return from injury. 

“I thought he was the best player for Essendon probably to half-time and his luck, as it is, gets another injury to his back,” Lloyd said. 

Lloyd was also impressed with the way Dyson Heppell kept working despite the lopsided scoreboard. 

The stand-in Captain ended the match with 30 disposals and seven tackles.

“I think Dyson Heppell, it has been a really difficult year, but he soldiered on,” Lloyd said. 

“Having Hocking and Myers playing with him in the last three rounds is what he needs because obviously not having the skipper (Jobe Watson) there is making Dyson’s job really tough.”