Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy has launched a passionate defence of his embattled club after champion Bomber Matthew Lloyd said it was no longer a “great” club.

The Bombers are under siege after they became the first team to lose to Carlton this season.

They’ve dropped their past four games.

Speaking on 3AW, Lloyd said Essendon had fallen “way behind” the benchmark clubs.

Sheedy hit back on Monday.

“Essendon will always be a great club because of their history – they’ve won the most premierships, along with Carlton, and they get some of the greatest crowds of all-time to their games,” the coaching great said.

“We’ll always be a great club.

“At the moment, they can be a better football team.”

Tony Jones said Sheedy’s comments were entirely predictable, backing Lloyd’s assessment.

“Kevin Sheedy is a paid servant of the Essendon Football Club in a marketing role – of course he’s going to say that,” he said.

The leading sports reporter said a handful of players needed a “spell” in the reserves.

“Brendon Goddard included,” TJ said.

Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW Mornings