Essendon coach Matthew Knights is hoping the Bombers' worst half of football for the AFL season will be the catalyst for a change in approach and attitude for the club.

The Bombers put in what Knights labelled a "disgraceful" first half against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night, at one stage falling 54 points behind, before recovering slightly to lose 16.14 (110) to 10.12 (72).

Knights said he had told the young group of players some home truths both during the half-time break and after the match.

"Half-time and after the game there were a number of very direct phrases, very direct views on my behalf on where we are breaking down both match day and during the week," Knights said.

"Out of those directions come solutions about how we're going to do things beyond tonight and that's for our players to consume."

Knights said the response to the first half, in which he said his players were second to the ball, put no pressure on the Tigers and were indecisive with their use of the ball, could result in "some nice new directions for the footy club".

Saturday night's loss came after they had been belted by more than 10 goals in each of the previous three rounds.

"I see it as a great challenge, I still wholeheartedly believe it's the best way to go, to bring a young group through together with a vision for down the track so that when we do get good we stay good, so I'm not perturbed too much," he said.

"You've got to hang tough, you've got to keep directing players and developing, you've got to keep talking to them, giving them feedback honestly and eventually they'll come through."

In a welcome dose of good news, key forward Scott Lucas could return against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night, after being out since round one with a knee injury.

"Scott wants to play this Friday against Adelaide," Knights said.

"He joined in (his) first main session late this week, so he's done one training session, but he's done an enormous amount of work ... he's walking around with that look in his eye, so he's keen to play.

"I've just got to work out whether two or three sessions will be enough or we go with him the following week against Hawthorn."

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