St Kilda didn't so much power to their eighth win in an unbeaten season so far - rather a courageous Essendon forced them to work through all their gears for a 19-point victory at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Forward Justin Koschitzke booted four goals, while midfielder Lenny Hayes was outstanding with 33 touches as the Saints ran out 13.12 (90) to 10.11 (71) winners.

The victory keeps the Saints atop the AFL ladder on percentage from Geelong - both sharing a perfect eight from eight record.

And coach Ross Lyon admitted it was a game his side would learn more from than some of the one-sided affairs in which they steamrolled rivals, with the Bombers challenging the Saints for all but the opening quarter.

"Any win in AFL football and four points is absolute gold so we walk away thrilled," Lyon said.

"Our group was challenged all day and we found a way to win.

"We learn more out of games like that than when we dominate.

"We learn about our make-up and character, which we believe is strong, and you learn about teams trying different things against you and have to adapt and adjust.

"I thought we did that."

A six-goals-to-two first quarter proved the difference for the Saints, with Essendon recovering from their sluggish start to win each of the remaining three terms.

St Kilda led by 28 points at quarter-time, a margin more or less maintained until the final change.

The young Bombers threatened several times to overrun the Saints, with forward spearhead Matthew Lloyd coming alive in the second half to kick all three of his goals.

But while they played out of their skins, Essendon just lacked polish and poise at pivotal times.

After closing to within 21 points with Lloyd's third goal early in the final term, the Bombers' fate was sealed with two fourth quarter majors to Nick Riewoldt who finished with three for the match.

Bombers defender Andrew Lovett was effective and gave his side plenty of run all day, while Jobe Watson battled hard in the midfield, gathering 39 possessions.

Essendon have a 4-4 win-loss record and remain in the top eight.

But coach Matthew Knights felt his side had wasted a golden opportunity to beat a top-class side, lamenting some untimely turnovers and wayward set shots at goal.

"With the ball in our hand, we really hurt ourselves because we didn't take the right target or we overcooked the ball," Knights said.

"It was a missed opportunity. We're really disappointed. We understand they're a super side in great form, but if you've got a chance to win the game you've got to take those opportunities."

Essendon forward Alwyn Davey was reported for rough conduct over a second quarter incident in which he flew high into Saints' midfielder Nick Dal Santo's head.

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