Form, and not age, remains the key criteria for selection in the Essendon side. 

After a run of four straight losses, questions have been asked as to whether the Bombers should focus on developing youth for next season.

But Essendon Coach James Hird said performances are what count most.

“On the weekend we had eight guys under 50 games play in the team,” he said.

“History will tell you if you play eight players, or seven players under 50 games your chances of winning are very low. 

“We wouldn’t want to go too much more.

“It’s a good balance.  But we’ll play the players in the best form and continue to strive to win games and also develop our list.” 

The Essendon side that played against Hawthorn was two years younger on average than their opponents.

Hird said he is a long way from overlooking older players in favour of giving extra youth a run.

“If you can’t make the finals and you can’t go further into September there’s a point where you want to build your list, build your team so that it’s better in the future,” Hird said.

“We’re certainly not saying to anybody at the moment you should or you shouldn’t play because of your age.

“If they train well, they perform well then they deserve to play.”