After another two weeks of getting so close against St Kilda and Carlton, but still searching for a win, Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd believes a lack of confidence and experience has been the costly factor for the Bombers.

But with an injection of senior players to this weekend’s team, Lloyd believes his side is a big chance of breaking the drought.

""Especially over the last two weeks, the game has been there for us to win. And we haven’t been able to close it out because of confidence and a lack of experience,"" Lloyd explained.

""To add Fletcher, Hird, McPhee and maybe Richard Cole in his first game, perhaps that is the impetus for us to beat the Lions on Saturday night.""

And while the experience boost will assist the Bombers, they will still be without Lloyd for the remainder of the season, despite his rehabilitation is coming along well.

Although the club has already ruled out a return this season for the champion forward, his hamstring would be healed in time to play in Round 21 against Richmond.

""They have just said get yourself right and ready for day one of pre-season. I have just signed for three seasons and that is more important than these last two matches.

""You never feel 100 per cent at the moment, because I am still a little bit cautious kicking the ball, but it has gone as well as I could have hoped for and I still feel that I could play in a months time if finals were still there.""

While itching to get back on the park, Lloyd knows his treatment and long term future comes first despite the potential disappointment of not playing another game with his greatest ever team mate.

""There is that thought that if James Hird does hang up his boots I have played my last game with him, so that is the one thing that keeps you going for this year.

""But I have to put my leg first and I probably wouldn’t compromise that even if I never get to play with him. Hopefully though there are still 22 games left in him next year.""

When asked about the hottest topic in AFL, the speculation over Jason Akermanis’ future, Lloyd believes the issue of bringing any player to the club next year safely in the hands of the recruiting manager and coaches at the club.

""If they came to me, I would say to them that on football ability only you would be crazy not to want him in your football side,"" Lloyd explained of the possibility of Akermanis donning the red and black.

""But then they need to do the background on whether he wants to play for us and whether he wants to embrace our football club and what it’s about.

""If he gave you the right answers you would be crazy not to consider it.""