Essendon is still aiming for finals success but right now it’s focusing on getting its season back on track. 

The Bombers have lost their last three games and face Hawthorn this Saturday.

“We still think it is possible (playing finals) but at the moment we’re not worried about whether we make finals or don’t make the finals,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

“We have to play a certain way and get our players to play to their ability and that’s what we’re focusing on.”

The Essendon defence is one of the best in the competition but the side has struggled to kick a winning score.

“We’re playing a game style where we put defence ahead of attack,” Hird said.

“We want to keep our defence strong and that sometimes that affects your attack.”

The Bombers have given valuable game time to a host of young players in the forward half this season.

21 year olds Joe Daniher and Shaun Edwards were key components of the Bombers forward line against West Coast before the bye.

While teenagers Zach Merrett and Orazio Fantasia gathered almost 50 possessions between them.

“We’re building a forward line for the future – that has cost us a little bit,” Hird said.

“We’re playing a game plan that we’ve played for two or three years now.  We tinker with things all the time, but we’re confident the way we’re playing is the right way.”