'Got to be realistic': Matthew Lloyd pours cold water over Essendon hype after lofty comparison

Matthew Lloyd has poured cold water on the growing hype surrounding Essendon, following their win over Sydney in round nine.

The Bombers have now won five games this season, however they have come against teams currently sitting 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th and 18th on the ladder.

Kane Cornes declared on AFL Media that he is "all in" on the Dons, believing they could emulate Hawthorn's sharp spike up the ladder early in their rebuild.

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However, Lloyd disagrees and believes his former club still have a lot to prove against the competition's elite teams.

"No, I don't think (that Hawthorn comparison is reasonable), they've beaten lesser sides," Lloyd told 3AW.

"What I do like about them is that they're having a red hot crack and competing well and winning some tight ones, but they have beaten West Coast in a tight one, North Melbourne in a tight one, Sydney who aren't travelling too well.

"A tougher run starts for them this Saturday night playing the Western Bulldogs where we'll find out a little bit more about how good they are.

"I still don't think they're a finals side this season."

Lloyd understands the modest view of the club's situation may disappoint fans, but he feels it is important to remain objective.

"I think we've got to be realistic and the positive is that they've had a lot of debutants and are showing the next wave of Bomber players," the club great said.

"They've had three ACL injuries this year, which I think will catch up with them this year and part of why they'll miss (the top eight)."

Essendon play the Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Brisbane (away) and Carlton in the next month, with Fremantle (away) and Geelong also to come before their bye.