Carlisle, who was an early tip as this year's All Australian full back, was shifted from defence into attack late in the second quarter, igniting the Bombers' forward line and finishing with 13 marks, including the match-saver in defence in the dying moments.
Hurley, meanwhile, was moved from attack into defence to play on Carlton spearhead Jarrad Waite, who had booted five first-half goals but would kick just two more.
Coach James Hird praised both key position players post-match, and said switching them between attack and defence would be a valuable weapon for the Bombers, who notched their eighth win for the season.
"We're very lucky with our talls," Hird said.
"Hurley and Carlisle can both play at either end of the ground, and having the luxury to switch them around when it's not going well is something we've wanted to do.
"Unfortunately Michael hasn't played a lot of footy over the last month.
"Last week in the last quarter against the Swans, we actually put Jake forward for that quarter and he kicked two goals and created a number of scoring opportunities.
"His second half was terrific, and the mark at the end that saved the game was outstanding."
Hird described Carlisle as a "natural footballer and a footballer who just plays the game on instinct", and said his hands are "as good as any young kid that I've seen come into the game".
The coach said Carlisle’s ability to overcome a poor first half and make an enormous contribution to the win spoke volumes about his character.
Essendon unveiled father-son draftee Joe Daniher on Friday night, with the teenage key forward impressing with 15 possessions and five marks.
Hird said the Bombers were not in the business of sending players back to the VFL after one game, and Daniher had all but guaranteed himself selection against Gold Coast next Saturday night.
"Joe got well beaten early, but it thought he fought his way back into the game," the coach said.
"He had some good tackles, his defensive work was good, and when the ball hit the ground he was able to really get back on it quickly.
"We'll certainly be playing him again. I thought he was reasonable tonight."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
