THE EXTENT of Essendon's horror third quarters has been laid bare, with the Bombers dropping dramatically in key statistical areas after the half-time break.

The Bombers are yet to win a third quarter this season, a failing that was evident again in last week's loss to Hawthorn when they gave up a lead at the main break to concede six goals to none in the third term.

The club is adamant it has an issue with its overall game rather than specific problems with third terms, but the numbers suggest a significant dive from Essendon after its main break.

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In its seven games, Essendon has scored 12.15 (87) in third quarters to the opposition's 33.25 (223), a differential of 136 points.

In statistics supplied by Champion Data, the Bombers' third-term woes are obvious across the ground.

They are down in total disposals, contested possessions and clearances, while they are ranked the worst in the competition for their metres gained differential in third quarters (-1914 metres).

Essendon is also ranked last in the League for inside-50s differential in third terms (-26 entries) and second last for time in forward half in the third term (-2:26 minutes).

Despite the scrutiny surrounding the Bombers' third-quarter troubles last week, they were still blown away by the Hawks last week, giving up a seven-point advantage at half-time to trail by 31 points at the final change.

Former Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs and Sydney coach Rodney Eade said the club's third-term struggles would have not been discussed at length during the Bombers' break last Saturday at the MCG.

"I would've thought it would have been spoken about during the week, and then probably mentioned at half-time just to tighten the awareness of it during the game. You can't go over the top and make it a burden at half-time," Eade told AFL.com.au.

Essendon coach John Worsfold has some work to do with his charges. Picture: AFL Photos

Eade said some problems can arise after half-time when a side is leading during the main break, as Essendon has the previous two weeks, as coaches can be reluctant to change things that are going well.

"As a coach, in your preparation you need to know what opposition teams will do at half-time. So if you're in the game or ahead at half-time, there's a tendency to not to do anything tactically," Eade said.

"What we tend to do if you're in front is keep the status quo – well, the opposition might be changing things. They might throw something at you or change their style and you need to have done your homework about what might come up.

"If you just go the same way, sometimes teams will change and then you've got nowhere to go."

Essendon will be keen to resurrect its season this Saturday when it takes on Carlton at the MCG, but will be without star forward Joe Daniher, who is set for at least a month on the sidelines due to osteitis pubis.

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