Captain James Hird set aside the biggest controversy of his AFL career to lead Essendon to a thrilling one-goal win over West Coast at Telstra Dome.

Scores were level at the 31 minute mark when Hird snapped the winning goal and he ran to the boundary fence to celebrate with Bombers fans.

The siren sounded a minute later and the Brownlow Medallist was best afield as Essendon won 22.5 (137) to 20.11 (131).

The lead changed four times and the scores were tied three times in a pulsating final term.

Hird will find out the extent of his punishment next week after he publicly criticised field umpire Scott McLaren on Wednesday.

Hird will be fined at least $5000, while the AFL commission could suspend him.

Full-forward Matthew Lloyd also capped off a big week with eight goals in another key performance.

Lloyd was first suspended for striking and then acquitted on appeal.

It was an extremely important win for Essendon, which squandered a big early lead and had opened the season with two losses.

A defeat would have heaped pressure on the Bombers, particularly given the controversy surrounding Hird.

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