Essendon are at a loss to understand why respected utility Brent Stanton continues to feel the wrath of Bombers fans.

The situation reached a new low on Sunday when Stanton was jeered by a section of the home crowd at Etihad Stadium when he was substituted out of the AFL match against West Coast.

Stanton was replaced by Angus Monfries after being knocked out earlier in the match which the Bombers won by 16 points.

The 25-year-old - who has long been a whipping boy for sections of the large Essendon fan base despite three top-three finishes in the best and fairest award - remains in doubt for Saturday night's clash against winless Brisbane at the Gabba.

Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson said it was not until after the final siren that the coaching staff learnt Stanton had again copped the ire of the crowd.

"It's just amazing really that our supporters can do that," said Thompson, who returned to Windy Hill this season after coaching Geelong to two flags.

"I thought most of the things we have done this year have been pretty positive.

"From a coaching perspective, from Hirdy (head coach James Hird) down, we all love what Brent Stanton does for the team.

"He's a leader of the team, he takes people with him, he trains exceptionally well.

"We rate him as one of our best players, so you'd think our supporters would cheer him."

Stanton has played 148 matches for the Bombers since making his debut in 2004.

Such is his status inside the club that he replaced Hird in the famed No.5 jumper when the club legend retired four years ago.

"All I know is that our players are right behind him, the coaches are right behind him and the club is right behind him 100 per cent," said Thompson, a three-time Bombers premiership player and former captain.

"And we'd like our supporters to get behind him now."

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