After finishing 8th last year, the Essendon Bombers have begun the 2022 season with their equal worst start since 1967, losing to Geelong, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Sitting at 18th on the ladder with a clash against last week's Showdown winners in Adelaide, the question must be asked -ย  is Essendon's season already a wash?

Many will be quick to write off all chances of Essendon competing for finals positions this season after an unsuccessful first three games, but with defensive retorts being fired back at pace as well, the facts aren't as clear.

On Friday night, The Dees were able to acquire 66 inside 50s against the Dons, and with a bit more accuracy in front of the goal, the Dons could have been blown well and truly out of the water.

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However, with a plethora of key outs found across the first three games, including Dylan Shiel (Strain), Harrison Jones (Ankle), Nik Cox (Ankle), and Will Snelling (Calf) who all have the potential to play this weekend, the cue can't be put into the rack so securely.

In addition to their loss to the reigning premiers, the Bombers have also played three teams currently sitting in finals positions, including Brisbane and Geelong who are currently undefeated.

At first glance, Essendon appears as though they are out of any finals chase, however, there have been promising signs from their young players and strong performances from Peter Wright and Shiel, who made his return from injury on Friday night.

The Bombers finished in 8th last season after a late push for the finals and there is the potential in the squad for them to correct their run irrespective of their unsuccessful start.

Ahead of the season's start, pundits - including the uber-contrarian Mick Malthouse - held high hopes for the Dons' campaign. And while these same parties are currently wringing off the rain, the sun is set to rise and their upcoming fixtures appear much brighter to the naked eye.

With four of their next five clashes (Adelaide, Fremantle, Collingwood and Hawthorn) being against sides that missed the eight in 2021, a true answer of the Bombers' flight path probably won't be known until mid-May.

However, should their propellers sputter and their nose continues to dip against these previously perceived also-rans, the early season potshots may well become true.

As a finalist from last season, Essendon has earned a buffer from a complete and utter blast, but if another limp performance is rolled out against the Crows at Marvel, even the most diehard of Dons fans will have a fight on their hands to defend an 0-4 start.

Still, with head coach Ben Rutten now locked out due to health and safety protocols, there may still be some that are willing to raise their dukes.

The opening bounce of interim coach Blake Carracella'sย boys clash against Matthew Nicks' murder is scheduled for 1:10 pm (AEST) on Sunday afternoon.