Essendon premiership hero Terry Daniher has urged the Bombers' hierarchy to "shake up" the club as the former AFL powerhouse braces for a major player exodus.
Bombers greats are shocked and dismayed about the position the equal most successful VFL/AFL club in terms of premierships finds itself in.
A day after dashing defender Adam Saad declared he was eyeing a trade to fierce rivals Carlton, Terry's nephew Joe Daniher on Wednesday also said he wanted out of Tullamarine.
The key forward unsuccessfully tried to move to Sydney last off-season, but is set on playing for premiership fancies the Brisbane Lions in 2021.
Terry Daniher, who played 294 games for the Bombers, skippered flags in 1984 and 1985 and is a member of Essendon's Team of the Century, believes there were "warning bells" throughout this season.
"There's something not quite right there at the club at the moment," he told SEN on Thursday.
"Starting with (new president) Paul Brasher at the top, he needs to do an investigation into what's actually going on and get it right pretty quick.
"You'd be pretty despondent if you were a member and a supporter of what's been a great club.
"They need to do a good review, shake the place up and look like they're enjoying their football again.
"Paul's started on the right foot and they need to be open and transparent and go right through the club from top to the bottom."
After finishing 13th this season, there is an expectation things will get worse before they get better with Essendon not having won a final since 2004.
Every other club, except Gold Coast, has had at least one post-season victory since 2013.
Former champion full-forward Matthew Lloyd thinks Essendon have "their heads in the sand" and is disillusioned with the direction of the club he booted 926 goals for.
"This is purely a culture issue of players not being happy, not being sure of the direction of the club, not sure if they're going to get any success," he told Nine's Footy Classified.
"For such a proud, proud club, this is one of the saddest days I've ever been involved with."
Defender Conor McKenna has retired, aged 24, and returned to live in his native Ireland.
There has been speculation two-time Crichton medallist Zach Merrett is becoming restless and is assessing his future with the Bombers.
