A lack of midfield depth hurt the Bombers in 2015 according to former Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd. 

The side lost several prime movers throughout the season including Jobe Watson, David Myers, Travis Colyer and Heath Hocking.

“With injuries it gives opportunity but if you want to be blunt about the Essendon midfield it probably doesn’t bat deep enough,” Lloyd said.

“It’s something that has to be addressed.

“Obviously there were players that didn’t have great years, whether it be (through) injury or form.”

The Bombers were ranked 16^th for clearances and 8^th for contested possessions in 2015.

Lloyd said the Bombers should look to improve their outside run and skill execution next season. 

“The ball movement early in the year was an issue,” he said. 

“The boys were going backwards and sideways too often, they had to go forward and attack.

“The lack of leg speed and sometimes the skill level and decision making - that needs to be improved over the off-season.” 

Nick O’Brien, Elliott Kavanagh, Kyle Langford and Zach Merrett were all given important time in the midfield throughout the season. 

But Lloyd was also impressed with some of the more experienced players.

“I thought Brent Stanton finished the year with class and it just showed what a great servant he is for the footy club,” Lloyd said.

“I thought Dyson Heppell through adversity and being tagged every week had a pretty solid year again. 

“And I think Brendon Goddard tried his heart out.”