IT'S THE loss still burning with Essendon fans as they begin a long off-season.

Round eight's defeat against arch-enemy Carlton – one of only two Blues wins in a wretched season – left the Bombers' campaign precariously placed at two wins and six losses.

It hurt more when Essendon missed the finals by a single game.

The 13-point loss was cited more than any other as the moment to forget by Bomber fans giving their season verdict in an AFL.com.au end-of-season survey.

Coach John Worsfold has rebuilt his support with fans, returning to an 89 per cent approval rating after plunging to 24 per cent in a survey taken near the lowest point of the Bombers' season, just before the Carlton defeat.

Traded-in midfielder Devon Smith has been acknowledged by his new supporter base as one of the recruits of the year, with 80 per cent rating him Essendon's player of the season.

Joe Daniher was clearly hampered in the seven games he managed in a season ruined by osteitis pubis, and was rated the team's biggest disappointment.