Essendon Coach James Hird has expressed his sympathy for his players and the fans after the side endured its biggest defeat of the season. 

The Bombers lost to Adelaide by 112 points, the club’s second 100-point defeat this season. 

“I feel for the players and supporters,” Hird said. 

“The players are the ones out there.  

“I feel for some of our players down back who were put under a lot of pressure and through no fault of their own had scores against them. 

“I feel for our supporters having to watch that.  It was a thoroughly disappointing effort.” 

After a positive start, the Crows dominated the final three quarters kicking 24 goals to four.

“Our players are performing below what they’re capable of.  I feel for them because you understand how much work they put in to the game,” Hird said. 

“No player goes out to perform like that.  They’re thoroughly disappointed in their performance and I feel for them as people.” 

A six goal to zero second quarter changed the complexion of the game and the Bombers job only got harder as a string of players suffered injuries after the sub had been made. 

David Myers copped a knock to the back that ended his game, while Jonathan Giles, David Zaharakis and Brendon Goddard spent time on the bench throughout the game.

“That (the margin) was accentuated – and it’s not in any way why we lost the game – by our lack of rotations,” Hird said. 

“We had one rotation for 50 minutes of the game which maybe blew the scoreboard out.”