It's no secret that the Bombers have been abysmal this season.

They've been consistently underwhelming for the best part of 15 years, and it's hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel.

With John Worsfold all but out the door, it's up to assistant coach Ben Rutten to clean up the mess left behind.

So how will the ex-Crow steady the ship? Here are five things that Ben Rutten has to do to begin the long rebuild.

3. Get Jake Stringer fit

When Jake Stringer is at his best, he is one of the most exciting players in the competition.

But when he's out of form, it's difficult to watch. Very difficult.

The 25-year-old had a good start to the season, but since his syndesmosis injury, he has been lacklustre.

Ex-Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes provided a scathing assessment of his performance on The Footy Show following the Bombers 50-point loss to the Power on Saturday.

The forward was involved in a scuffle and his jersey was lifted up, revealing a figure that bewildered Cornes.

"If you're a full-time professional athlete, you don't present yourself like that. To steal (Port Adelaide coach) Ken Hinkley's line, you get what you deserve in footy."

"That's why he returns five disposals yesterday, he's not fit enough. When you don't perform and present that out of shape, you run the risk of being criticised for it."

With only 14 goals for the season, the forward has been unable to recapture his form that he displayed at the Bulldogs.

If he wants to be a part of this Essendon side going forward, Stringer will have to get into shape fast, or face mediocrity.