ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights has praised Matthew Lloyd after the Bombers captain returned to form in his side’s 22-point win against West Coast at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Lloyd had 21 disposals and kicked two goals, playing at centre half-forward.

The veteran Bomber had received much scrutiny in recent weeks after some indifferent form in the first half of the season.

Knights said Lloyd’s ability to do the simple things made the difference, not to mention the spectacular high mark he took in the final quarter.

“Some basics tonight were outstanding from Matthew. He led at the ball, competed, kept the feet under tackle and duress and excited his teammates and the people in the ground with his efforts in the air,” Knights said.

“He put a pretty big smile on the coach’s face when he sat on that bloke’s head.”

Knights revealed that Lloyd nearly didn’t play after a training injury during the week.

“He copped a knock at training early in the week and it bled a bit. We didn’t decide until this morning that he definitely would play,” he said.

“We got back to, today, him playing more a piece in the puzzle and combining well with the other players.”

Knights said the win over the Eagles was a reward for several weeks of hard work by his young charges.

“The Adelaide game [in round 10] was a significant step if you look at where they are on the ladder. From that game onwards, we were applying some really good pressure to the opposition. That was a turning point.”

The Essendon coach saved special praise for ruckman David Hille, who was best on ground in his duel with All-Australian ruckman Dean Cox.

“I spoke to him about backing himself even though the big fella [Cox] is a great player, he in his own right is having a good year and I wanted him to attack the contest and get some disposals as well.”

“David is a very important player for our club and his consistency for the whole season has been right up there. David didn’t have a stellar year last year but the way he’s responded and the way he played against the best ruckman in the competition tonight took us a long way to winning the game.”

Knights admitted the late withdrawal of star Eagle Daniel Kerr was a significant boost to his side.

“I was pleasantly surprised when he wasn’t playing. He is a superstar, Daniel Kerr. He is right up there with any midfielder in the competition so having him out certainly was a good thing for us.”