Essendon midfielder Jobe Watson left coach Matthew Knights proud and Carlton coach Brett Ratten infuriated after their AFL thriller.

Watson started poorly on Saturday night at the MCG as the Blues took a 27-point lead early in the second term, but he proved crucial in Essendon's comeback and eventual four-point win.

While Brent Stanton was best for Essendon and captain Matthew Lloyd returned to form with five goals, Watson was also outstanding.

The onballer had 20 disposals and although the Bombers were well-beaten in the clearances, his work at the stoppages gave them some first use of the ball.

"In the last two weeks, his second halves have been through the roof, he's played really strong footy," Knights said.

"Even in the last minute or two, we put him back on with cramp because I just wanted his steadiness around the ball."

Meanwhile, Ratten used Watson's second-quarter goal as a prime example of how the Blues lost their way.

"You can talk about numerous things - there's a stoppage where Watson kicks a left-foot goal - that is not how we set up, ever," Ratten said, almost spitting out the word "ever".

"You stop the tape, show the players at half-time and say 'is that how we set up? No, well, why are we? - soft goal.'"

Young Essendon key position player Patrick Ryder was another Bomber who recovered from a slow start to play a pivotal role in the win.

Ryder also laid a crucial tackle in the last few seconds of the match, as the Blues desperately tried to go into attack.

It was Essendon's fourth-straight win over Carlton and another great chapter in one of the game's fiercest rivalries.

Blues fans seethed at the umpiring, particularly the "double goal" awarded to Essendon in the third term when Matthew Lloyd scored from a 50-50 free kick after a marking contest against Bret Thornton.

Immediately after Lloyd's goal, Thornton bumped Alwyn Davey, the Bombers small forward dropped to the ground as if shot and won another free kick without the ball returning to the centre.

Ratten held his tongue post match and would not comment on either incident.

Knights praised his young team for their persistence and the former Richmond captain said he was well aware that a win over Carlton was something special for the club.

The Bombers coach looked exhausted post-match.

"You feel that way if you've got (assistant coach) Gary O'Donnell sitting next to you in the box all night - he's gone to a lot of wars with Carlton and he was pretty pumped up all through the night," he said.

"Yes, it was taxing for all concerned."

Essendon will regain Adam McPhee from suspension and Mark McVeigh could return from an ankle injury for next Sunday's Etihad Stadium game against North Melbourne.

But ruckman David Hille is on report for his head-high forceful contact on Richard Hadley.

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