AFL great Leigh Matthews has queried Essendon's spirit after they slumped to 0-2 with the upset AFL loss to St Kilda.
The Bombers are in big trouble before Friday night's must-win MCG clash against Melbourne, who are also yet to win this season.
There were big wraps on Essendon, given their strong finish to last season and the recruiting of star midfielder Dylan Shiel.
But GWS monstered them in round one and on Saturday the unfancied Saints held them off for an 11-point win.
Speaking on Channel Seven's Game Day, Matthews said Essendon paid the price for a bad patch in the first quarter.
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"They didn't have a big, visible fire in the belly," Matthews said.
'"They're not playing with any life and energy, that visible life and energy ... .are you chasing hard, tackling hard, your bodies are really going in ferociously for the football.
"The Bombers aren't producing that at the moment."
Essendon fans booed their team during Saturday's loss as frustrations grow.
Teammates Kyle Langford and Matt Guelfi did not help the mood with an embarrassing interchange gaffe during the first term.
The two players went to the bench, rather than one of them staying on the ground and challenging for the ball.
Kevin Bartlett called it "absolute madness" and fellow commentator Kane Cornes said it was one of the most bizarre things he had seen in a game.
