Essendon supporters have been hearing and reading all week from football experts that the team is in trouble with the number of injuries. It is time to hear what the Bomber supporters think about the sides performance against Fremantle and the current situation at Windy Hill. Engine Room members can have their opinion each week in – In the Outer. Bombers fan Robert Lorenzetto is concerned about the mental toughness of the team. “You could use injuries as an excuse (and it certainly didn't help) but my feeling is the Bombers don't have the mental toughness to go to the well again (at least this year). Strangely, the forward line is non-existent but the defence continues to hold its own,” Lorenzetto said.

Lorenzetto thought Shane Harvey’s debut performance was impressive, however he ran out of puff and Misiti’s stats suggested he had a good game. “We seem to be lacking the capacity to fight the fight for a full game. Confidence needs to be rekindled. The team aren't playing smart footy, ie. if Lloyd's being doubled team why don't we use the loose person to advantage?” Lorenzetto said.

Long-time Essendon supporter John Byrne wasn’t happy with the coaching panels selection of players. “We lost for a number of obvious reasons and some of the most glaring example beside the injury factor is the insistence by our selectors to continue to pick players who are simply not fit or dedicated enough to give their all for the jumper, Rioli and Henneman two glaring examples. Get fit and get dedicated,” Byrne said.

Byrne thought Misiti, Jason Johnson and Ramanauskas worked hard all day, with support from only a handful of other players. Byrne is concerned about the Bombers fire power up forward. “Our ability to kick goals over the last two encounters will be tested now the side is without Lloyd. Stop chipping the ball around and kick longer into attack,” Byrne said.

Go to the In the Outer section to have your say on the team’s performance against Carlton.