'No quality there': Matthew Lloyd reveals huge void Essendon are 'crying out' to fill

Matthew Lloyd has pointed the finger at Essendon's draft misses for the club's current state, saying they are "desperate" for a top pick to turn into a midfield star.

Since 2020, the Bombers have used 10 first round picks - seven of which were inside the top 10 of the draft.

Of that group, Ben Hobbs, pick 13 in 2021, has been delisted, while Elijah Tsatas, pick five in 2022, is struggling to break into their starting side.

READ MORE: The surprise winner from the AFL's opening month

READ MORE: Ex-Spurs coach denies return talks ahead of World Cup

READ MORE: Xerri cops big ban after claim of abuse before blood wipe

They used three picks in the top 10 of the 2020 draft, with Zach Reid and Archie Perkins both steady, but not spectacular players, and Nik Cox is the hard luck story, battling ongoing concussion issues.

Nate Caddy, pick 10 in 2023, and Isaac Kako, pick 13 in 2024, both look like quality long term forwards.

Lloyd is pinning his hopes on the 2025 draft crop, where Essendon once again had access to three first round picks.

Jacob Farrow (pick 10) and Dyson Sharp (pick 13) have both made their debuts, while Sullivan Robey (pick nine) is working his way back from injury, but impressed in the VFL.

"They're just crying out for ... I just wrote down what Isaac Heeney has done at Sydney, or what Kozzie Pickett is doing for Melbourne ... the club is crying out for someone through that midfield to be it," Lloyd told Nine's Footy Classified.

"Since they drafted Zach Merrett, there's just been no quality there.

"You've got Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell, but they're coming from a fair way back, they're not A-grade talent. They've missed out on some (in the draft). Elijah Tsatas is playing VFL. Nate Caddy is the one that's worked out.

"Out of Dyson Sharp, Jacob Farrow and Sullivan Robey, I know it's a lot of pressure on them, but the club is crying out.

"And it's the system, it's development, it's the environment they're in, but the club needs to hit a couple of those guys."

Robey, a 192cm forward, rose sharply up draft boards in 2025 as an impact player who hits the scoreboard and superstar upside.

Sharp is seen as a long-term midfield prospect who can find the footy and excels at stoppages, while Farrow is seen as a classy user of the ball.

They will be hoping these draftees can help turn the club around after an 0-3 start to the season, with pressure mounting on coach Brad Scott.

Essendon sit 17th on the ladder with a percentage of 61.6. They were smashed by Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, and outclassed by North Melbourne.

They now take on the undefeated Western Bulldogs, with their losing streak currently sitting at 16 consecutive games.