Essendon caretaker coach Dean Solomon says he will continuing deploying star midfielder Zach Merrett at half-back as he seeks to set up the last-placed side for next season.
Former skipper Merrett was used away from his customary on-ball role during the Bombers' five-point defeat to Carlton at the MCG on Sunday night.
He had a game-high 33 disposals and 456 metres gained (ranked third), as well as seven score involvements, but used the ball at just 67 per cent efficiency.
"We want to generate a bit more drive out of half-back and obviously we know what Zach can do," Solomon said after the Bombers' 10.12 (72) to 10.7 (67) loss.
"He's got a lethal left foot. The coaches discussed it throughout the week, what the pros and cons of it were, do we take away from our midfield.