Essendon may not be finals bound in 2015 but former great Matthew Lloyd doesn’t think the Bombers time towards the bottom of the ladder will last long.

With fives games remaining this season, Essendon sits in 15th position with five wins and 12 losses.

“The list is too good to be a five win season, so I can see a quick turnaround to be honest with so many players not playing at the moment and some of the kids that have come in,” Lloyd said.

Among those ‘kids’ getting increased exposure this season is Zach Merrett who Lloyd cites as the club’s most improved player.

Injuries to key players have seen Merrett enjoy increased time in the midfield. 

“He’s had a year where he’s gone from being a young player coming up through the ranks to being an elite player of the competition – one that you can rely on to be damaging week in and week out,” Lloyd said.

“He’s good for 25 destructive possessions a week, so I think he’s been fantastic.”

Merrett is being assessed after pulling up sore following the match against the Western Bulldogs.