ESSENDON'S defining third-quarter performance was the result of a side playing with a freer mindset and with its shackles released, according to coach John Worsfold.

Having trailed by seven points at half-time, the Bombers broke the game open immediately after the restart with seven unanswered goals laying the foundations for an 18-point victory over the winless Demons on Friday night.

It was a pivotal quarter for the struggling side's season, which looked as though it could suffer another setback after two disappointing defeats to open the year.

DEMONS v BOMBERS Full match coverage and stats

But following last week's disastrous loss to St Kilda, in which unforced errors played a significant part in the defeat, Worsfold praised the manner of his team's response.

He also questioned whether his side had suffered from a touch of complacency to start the year, having enjoyed a promising summer headlined by the arrival of gun recruit Dylan Shiel.

"There's no doubt the players looked a bit freer tonight in terms of their mindset to not worry about making mistakes and work hard," Worsfold said.

"It's not something that's really that tangible to put your finger on.

"I had a slight feeling that the players thought they'd had a really good pre-season and that they'd turn up and play and we'd be right.

"We just forgot how tough the game is and how hard we have to work in all of the little things. I think we started seeing that tonight."

WATCH Walla wows in Bomber blitz

Worsfold refused to respond to questions over whether he felt vindicated following strong criticism after Essendon's opening two losses, saying Friday night's victory was the result of hours on the training track refining the side's game plan.

"It was a culmination of everything we've been talking to them about," Worsfold said.

"Things don't just happen. You train hard, you practice a lot and you have to beat the opposition who are going to try and stop you from doing that.

"You have periods of games where things work really well like that, so you take them when they're there."

WATCH John Worsfold's full post-match media conference

Other issues addressed by Worsfold:

  • Praised Essendon's ability to run out the contest despite Kobe Mutch's early injury.
  • Won't answer to previous criticisms surrounding Essendon's start to the year.
  • Credited key passages from senior players like Dyson Heppell and David Zaharakis.