Essendon coach Matthew Knights says he is unfazed by any criticism that could be headed his way after the Bombers' 76-point thrashing at the hands of Carlton on Friday night.

Knights endured some torrid feedback from supporters during the Bombers' six-game losing streak earlier this season and speculation his job was not safe.

The Dons recovered with wins over North Melbourne and St Kilda in rounds 17 and 18, but were brought crashing down by the Blues, who won 23.11 (149) to 9.19 (73) at the MCG.

"I'm not too fussed about (it)," Knights said when asked if he was now better placed to handle looming dissatisfaction.

"The team and (I) received magnificent support in the past month or so.

"There's always going to be a share of people and supporters who are really frustrated with the effort and they should be, as we all are.

"But we know most of the supporters and members are in our camp and corner and really supporting the club amazingly well.

"There is going to be some disappointed people out there ... we were really frustrated with that output (last) night, because we didn't see that coming."

Knights said the indecision of his players was one of the most disappointing aspects of the defeat to Carlton, and was frustrated by his side's inability to produce the performances it did against North and the Saints.

He was also frustrated by the wastefulness of his key forwards, as Kyle Hardingham (2.4) and Jay Neagle (0.3) squandered plenty of opportunities.

Essendon also have injury and tribunal worries ahead of next Friday night's game against Collingwood.

Small forward Alwyn Davey broke his arm against the Blues and will not play again this season, while fullback Dustin Fletcher was rested in the last quarter because of hamstring tightness.

Ruckman David Hille and midfielder Sam Lonergan were both reported for engaging in rough conduct.

Knights was disappointed Hille chose to bump Carlton's Mitch Robinson when he could have tackled him, and he had his number taken because he made high contact.

Hille might have used up his share of luck, as the report was his fourth of the season, but he had been cleared of any wrongdoing against Geelong's Jimmy Bartel, Hawthorn's Clinton Young and St Kilda's Brendon Goddard.

Lonergan was reported for a clash with Robert Warnock during a melee at half-time.

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