After flying out of the gates with six wins on the trot, the men from Windy Hill have stumbled over the past month and Saturday night's loss to the Sydney Swans was the Bombers' third loss in four weeks.
Essendon was well beaten on a rain-soaked SCG, posting their lowest score of the year and let down by poor entry into the forward line as well as injuries to Courtenay Dempsey and Scott Gumbleton.
Hird says the 44-point loss to the Swans, as well as a 28-point defeat at the hands of Geelong in round seven, shows the Bombers have some ground to make up in order to reach their level.
"Against both Geelong and against the Swans we have come up a little bit short," Hird said.
"The Swans, Geelong and probably Hawthorn are the three teams that look to be the best three in the competition.
"Right at this moment we are a just little bit off those top three teams."
The Swans' win puts Essendon outside the top four for the first time in 2013 at seven wins and three losses.
Hird said he was happy with the club's position right now and was looking forward to a "really exciting second half of the year".
"I truly believe our second half of our year will be better than our first half," Hird said.
Meanwhile, Hird said Dempsey would spend Saturday night in a Sydney hospital undergoing scans after being hurt in a heavy knock in the third term.
Dempsey was coughing up blood after the clash and had to be taken off the ground in a stretcher.
Hird said the early signs were promising, with Dempsey cleared of a punctured lung, broken ribs, and any organ damage.
"We are pretty hopeful that there's nothing long term or too bad but it was a huge knock," Hird said.
"We are pretty confident that there is nothing that should keep him out for too long but we will wait and see."
The Bombers also lost Gumbleton, who was subbed off at half time, to an ankle injury.
Ben Howlett was a late withdrawal after the club chose not to risk his shoulder.
