Essendon have done little to ease the scrutiny on coach Matthew Knights, ending their difficult AFL season with a 29-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Young forward Jarrad Grant starred with six goals for the Bulldogs, while Barry Hall kicked four in an ugly 17.5 (107) to 11.12 (78) victory at Etihad Stadium.

The Dogs also failed to impress, playing nothing to approach their best football.

But they were still able to capitalise on another turnover-laden performance from Essendon, who have slumped to a bottom four finish after making last season's finals.

Knights has been mooted for the chop in the off-season as Essendon's hierarchy consider whether he should see out the remaining two years of his contract.

The Bombers have now lost 10 of their past 12 matches to ensure Knights goes into the post-season with a big question mark over his future.

Essendon booted the opening two goals of the match through Patrick Ryder, but that soon gave way to one-way Bulldogs traffic as they raced to a 22-point lead by quarter-time.

The Dogs were able to keep their lead throughout without any fear the undermanned Bombers - minus skipper Jobe Watson through injury - would get within striking distance.

Grant had four goals by halftime and booted his sixth on the final siren, while Hall briefly threatened - but eventually failed - to overhaul Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal as the AFL's leading goalkicker.

The Dogs appear to have picked up another injury concern going into next week's finals, with midfielder Ryan Griffen limping off early in the third quarter and not returning.

The Bulldogs already face going into their first final against Collingwood without star midfielder Adam Cooney, skipper Brad Johnson and defender Dale Morris - all of whom are injured.

But Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said Griffen was kicked on the knee and rested as a precaution, and believes he will be fit to play Collingwood.

"He got a corky in the calf early (in the game) then a kick on the knee which is a bit swollen," Eade said.

"We didn't want to take any risks with him. He probably could have come back on, but hopefully the blood will clear and he'll play next week.

"We're reasonably confident he'll play."

Knights will now face further scrutiny from within as Essendon ramp up their internal review of a dismal season.

"We've been reviewing for the last week or two ... it's all about being better," Knights said.

"Reviewing all parts of the organisation, the football structure, the way we've played our footy this year.

"It's probably going to take three or four weeks before we run a fine-toothed comb over everything really."

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