MARK Thompson says it's "outrageous" to suggest he has created distance between Essendon's coaching staff and its players with his comments regarding their recovery efforts.

The Bombers' coach said on Saturday night after the 16-point loss to St Kilda that he didn't know how much recovery his players had done after their round four loss to Fremantle in Perth.

He then said "the good players" he had worked with over the years "would have done twice as much", prompting former club great Matthew Lloyd to say Thompson had issued a "whack" to the Dons’ fitness coach and the senior players.

On Tuesday, Thompson clarified his comments and said there was no problem with the senior coach not knowing what players did outside the club's scheduled recovery but there was an expectation they would do what was required to get themselves up. 

"I'll just make things clear; I said from my experience of knowing good players that I know they get ready and do extra recovery sessions in their own time," Thompson said.

Bombers didn't go in ready: Thompson

"I know Gary Ablett used to turn up to the club at 12 o'clock at night or go down the beach after a day game. That's what they're expected to do.

"I didn't know what our boys did last week and I won't know what they do this week and I don't think anyone really knows.

"For people to say that I should know, it's utter rubbish. Just take it for what it is and what I've said."

Thompson spoke to the players about his comments on Tuesday morning before training and said he didn't think they had a problem with what he said.

He said the expectation to hold personal recovery sessions was competition wide.

"The overall message was that they have to get themselves in a state to play, no matter what the outlook is, whether it's coming back from Perth in the heat and six days or it's seven or eight days," he said.

"If you're not feeling great, you've got a responsibility to get yourself right and that's normal, that's for every player in the competition, every coach would ask that.

"It's not up to me to be their father. They've just got to look after their own careers."

Thompson said Joe Daniher was one who took a professional approach to his recovery and backed the youngster to again present fit this week, despite appearing sore after the Saints' loss.

However, he said fellow forward Jake Carlisle was a chance to be omitted with match selection for Friday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood to come later on Tuesday.

He said the defender-turned-forward was not working hard enough on the field, but admitted being asked to fill in for Paddy Ryder recently in the ruck had tested Carlisle.

"He's in danger because he's not been in great form," he said.

"That's a bit of a shame because he's got lots of potential, lots of ability.

"I don't think it would matter where 'Jakey' played at the moment, [forward or back].

"He's not out of the side at the moment, he's still in so if he really wants to play, he'll show that he wants to play."

Brendon Goddard is a chance to return from a groin strain but won't be risked with the Bombers to make a hard call on his availability.

Jason Winderlich is expected to return after a rest and Tom Bellchambers will be assessed based on how he recovers from his VFL return on the weekend.

Heath Hocking will also been monitored throughout the week after hurting his hand and groin against the Saints.

Exiled defender Courtenay Dempsey addressed the players on Tuesday morning after being stood down indefinitely earlier this month for failing to meet professional standards.

"He just spoke about how different his outlook is now on the game and how much he appreciates it," Thompson said.

"He got a dose of the real world in a short four-week period and I think he appreciates footy and hopefully there's good results to follow."