Skill errors played a big part in the Bombers loss to GWS according to Coach James Hird.

Essendon used the ball at 76% efficiency and despite having more inside 50’s (58-45), the side had less marks in the attacking zone (11-15).

“Our use of the ball at certain times, particularly our last kick inside 50 or our shots at goal were pretty ordinary,” Hird said.

“It has been an issue, I think it was more accentuated today because we had control of the game at certain times.”

The Bombers had four shots at goal in the final six minutes of the first half but could only manage three points.

“At one stage we were 5.13, it does knock the stuffing out of your team,” Hird said.

“If that’s 13.5 then the game’s alive and you’re a chance.”

The Giants seized on the Bombers skill errors with 11 of their 14 goals coming from Essendon turnovers.

“When you don’t kick straight or you don’t use the ball well in that last kick then it really hurts you,” Hird said.