The Bombers have started season 2026 with two heavy defeats, with no light at the end of the tunnel in sight.

Essendon great James Hird joined Wide World of Sports and has raised questions about his former club’s slow start to the season.

“If you look at what they stand for as a team, you’re really searching for it,” Hird told Jimmy Bartel.

Press PLAY to hear the questions he’s raised (and more analysis on his former club)

“If you don’t teach the contest right early, you are really relying on the other team to give it back.”

What Matthew Lloyd wants to happen after Essendon’s poor start to the season

Image: Getty/Sarah Reed