Essendon coach John Worsfold has defender his demeanour during Saturday's loss to the Bulldogs, labelling comments and criticism over his body language on the bench during the match as a "cheap shot".

It comes after Worsfold was questioned by Kane Cornes and Tim Watson over his demeanour from the sidelines during the 104-point loss, which Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd claimed was one of the worst losses in their history.

But Worsfold thought the criticism was clutching at straws.

โ€œPeople can target me on that, but thatโ€™s pretty shallow,โ€ Worsfold told reporters on Wednesday.

โ€œHas anyone looked back at the whole 110 minutes of what Iโ€™m doing? I was in constant communication with the coachesโ€™ box, constantly supporting the players, challenging them and talking through it.

โ€œThere were parts of the game - I canโ€™t talk nonstop - where I sat quietly and theyโ€™ve been highlighted. Itโ€™s a cheap shot, but thatโ€™s fine.โ€

Cornes was scathing of the Bombers and Worsfold following the loss, stating that Worsfold "wasn't coaching" and calling Essendon's performance against the Dogs as "embarrassing."

The Bombers travel to Western Australia to take on Fremantle on Saturday night, in what is sure to be a must-win clash if they are to make the finals this season.