Essendon had its biggest trade period in more than a decade last year when it added three important players to its list, and the Bombers will look to be active again this off-season as a finish outside the top-eight looms.

The Bombers brought in Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith during last year's exchange period, with all three having had a big impact for the club in 2018.

Their busy trade period meant they didn't get into the draft until pick No.49 last year, but coach John Worsfold said the club was again preparing to target experienced players as the off-season approaches. 

"We've certainly identified if we were to go into trade what we'd be looking for," Worsfold said on Tuesday.

"[List manager] Adrian Dodoro is doing a huge amount of work presenting to the list management committee around the potential availability of players who would fit the need we might look for in a trade specifically.

"Then obviously the overall strategy includes the draft and things like that.

"We'll be very active in terms of discussions within the trade period. Whether anything happens, I'm not really sure."

The Bombers' finals hopes were dealt a big blow last Saturday when they lost to Hawthorn by four points at the MCG. They were well beaten in the midfield battle with the Hawks, losing the clearance count (41 to 37) and the contested possessions tally (160 to 131).

Essendon has been linked to Western Bulldogs free agent Mitch Wallis to help beef up its midfield stocks, and Worsfold said adding to that area of the ground could be something they address.

"Our midfield over the last eight to 10 weeks has performed really strongly, so I'm happy with the way [Kyle] Langford is developing and the way [Andrew] McGrath is coming along and what [Matt] Guelfi has added in there," he said.

"We've obviously got some young players in the VFL – a couple have had a taste of it this year in [Kobe] Mutch and [Dylan] Clarke – so we've got some good developing young players.

"But in terms of getting in someone who potentially is already at a really mature elite level next year, that may be something we'd look at."

The Bombers face the Saints on Friday night at Etihad Stadium and will need to win comfortably to keep alive their faint hopes of making the finals given their poor percentage.

Captain Dyson Heppell has been carrying soreness in recent weeks, but Worsfold said the midfielder has pulled up well from the Hawks' clash, while Matt Dea, who was a late withdrawal with concussion, is expected to be fit to take on St Kilda.

Guelfi, also a late out last week due to illness, is unlikely to play.

Aaron Francis was charged by the Match Review Officer for engaging in rough conduct against Hawk Jaeger O'Meara from the weekend's clash for a bump in the final term.

The third-year Bomber can accept a $2000 fine, but the Bombers are considering challenging the verdict at the AFL Tribunal.

"I was surprised when I heard [Francis had been cited]. I think we would like to challenge it, but whether we are prepared to go through all the protocols you need to to challenge a fine [is undecided]. But fair to say we were surprised when it came out," Worsfold said.

"From what I understand there's nine or 10 angles of it, and there's one angle that they've based the charge on. I haven't actually seen that angle yet."