Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis says Essendon needs to rekindle its killer instinct as the Bombers prepare for Saturday night’s clash with Adelaide.

Zaharakis, who will play his 100^th AFL game against the Crows, said the Bombers must learn how to put sides to the sword after Essendon’s shock loss to Melbourne at the MCG.

Essendon confronts a resurgent Adelaide in Round 14 following the Club’s 36-point victory over finals contender North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval. The 24-year-old said it was crucial the Bombers rediscovered their ruthless edge before battling the Crows at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

“We let sides back in the game and don’t shut sides down then build on our lead,” Zaharakis said.

“We go away from the things that build us that lead and it allows the opposition back into the game.

 “(Instead), we start to play as individuals, we don’t move the ball as a team and we start going safe.

“We just have to keep our attacking ball use going.”

The Saturday night blockbuster promises to be an enthralling contest, with Adelaide utility Andy's Otten also stating that the Crows will carry an aggressive offensive mentality into the Round 14 clash. 

Zaharakis denied speculation the issuing of 34 show cause notices to players last week would have any influence over the team’s performance when they line up against the Crows.

“We hate that people use it as an excuse because us as footy players do not use it as an excuse,” he said.

“For the three or four hours that you are here it is the most fun part of the week where all you think about is playing footy.

“The only people that actually speak about it are the media really.

“When we are at the footy club and when we go out to training we don’t think about it at all.”