The Bombers fell 31 points behind in the third quarter at the MCG, but prevailed for their eighth win for the season after rallying to kick eight of the game's last 10 goals.
Essendon came from behind to beat Adelaide in round one, and staged a remarkable comeback in round three to win a thriller against Fremantle.
"We've had a few good come-from-behind wins," coach James Hird said on Friday night.
"I think we've got a bit of [that sense that] if we get close enough we can have a crack and win those games. There's good belief there.
"Certainly if we're within a goal or two at the end, there's enough belief in this group that we can win the game if we do the things we need to do.
"We maybe have to play better early on in games so we don't get behind."
Carlton controlled the first half of Friday night's match, almost doubling the Bombers' inside 50s (32-17), but failed to take full advantage.
Stewart Crameri, Jake Melksham and Nick Kommer kicked goals late in the third quarter to pull the margin back to 15 points, and from there the Dons' confidence grew.
"It's always pleasing when you're not playing well to turn the game around," Hird said.
"Certainly Carlton played a lot better than we did in the first half and were probably unlucky not to be further ahead.
"The game turned our way. We started to get more creative with the ball, we used the ball better, we took more risks and the game opened up.
"As disappointing as the first half was, the second half was very exciting."
Hird praised midfielder Dyson Heppell, who finished with 28 possessions (10 contested) and nine inside 50s, as well as Patrick Ryder (35 hit-outs), who shouldered the ruck duties largely on his own.
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
