WEST Coast coach John Worsfold says his side is “tracking well” despite slipping to 2-10 in the wake of its 22-point loss to Essendon at the Telstra Dome.

“I think we’re tracking pretty well,” he said.

“I think our efforts against Sydney, against Adelaide, against the Kangaroos were all pretty good. I thought tonight we were a little bit off and certainly against Collingwood [we were] well off.

“But, I would say over the last five our six weeks we have been a lot better than any other period this year. We’re really pleased with the way we are heading.”

Worsfold said the story of the night against the Bombers was the same one that has haunted the side for most of the year – inability to play four quarters.

After leading by two goals midway through the second term the Eagles surrendered the lead and never regained it as the Bombers drew away to snap an eight-game losing streak.

The coach said having so many young players in the one side was always going to cause problems.

The Eagles had eight players with less than 50 games experience, including five with 10 or less games to their name.

“If you got a lot of them out there, it does leave gaping holes in periods of the game,” he said.

“We are certainly working and seeing some good gains being made by the young players.

“But inconsistency is a big thing, both within games and week to week, but more games under their belts will make them better for the future.”

Worsfold said the decision to start All-Australian ruckman Dean Cox on the bench with the game in the balance at the start of the last term was based purely on form.

“Coxy got beaten tonight but it’s a rare event,” he said.

“I thought we were going better with Lynch in the ruck.”

Essendon ruckman David Hille had 27 possessions, six inside 50s and kicked three goals to earn best afield honours.

Star onballer Daniel Kerr withdrew from the side with a calf injury but is expected to return to the side next week to face reigning premier Geelong.