ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson admitted Jake Carlisle's amazing best-on-ground performance against Collingwood took him by complete surprise.
Carlisle, who has endured an up-and-down season switching from attack to defence, kicked a career-high four goals and took 19 marks against the Pies – the most of any Essendon player in history.
The big swingman's efforts helped inspire his team to a percentage-boosting 64-point win, ensuring the Bombers leapt from 10th on the ladder to seventh, above the suddenly struggling Magpies.
While a number of Dons were instrumental in the victory, Thompson reserved special praise for Carlisle, who embodied the Dons' resurgence.
"He was fantastic, I never saw it coming," Thompson said of Carlisle, who rewarded his coach's faith after a dry run of form mid-season.
"It wouldn't have mattered where he played today, he just had one of those days.
"He's had a little bit of a licence to go behind the ball a bit whenever he feels like we need protection.
"It's been good for him … 19 marks is outstanding."
Thompson implored his players to use Sunday's victory as a springboard to a finals charge, with confidence at the club growing despite the absence of stars.
Key trio Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard and Michael Hibberd sat in the coach's box at the MCG as the Bombers stunned the Pies.
With a significant prize on offer in Sunday's match, Thompson said his team had "played a game of footy that was risking being in the eight".
"That's what they should use as a springboard from here going forward – that they know they can do this," he said.
The Bombers will be boosted by the return of Goddard next week after a one-match suspension, while Hibberd could also return from an ankle injury against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
Watson's season appeared over when he suffered a hip injury in round 12 that required surgery but he could also return before a possible finals campaign.
The skipper will meet with his surgeon on Thursday to receive an update on his progress, and Thompson said: "I don't think he's too far away".
With Watson sidelined, Thompson said he had seen a number of his players grow.
"There's been a massive difference in people … that was a massive opportunity and we've had people step up," Thompson said.
"Everyone's called it the end of our year but it creates opportunity, everything does.
"It's either half full or half empty. You listen to most people it's always half empty but I look at opportunities."
Asked how far the Bombers could go this season, Thompson said: "We just want to be the best we can be and we want to provide a platform for the players to enjoy themselves … who knows how far we can go."
He revealed a virus had gone through the Bombers' camp this week, with Paul Chapman (20 possessions and three goals) and David Zaharakis (19 and one) both hit by the bug.
After fadeouts ruined Essendon's 2012 and 2013 season, the coach was confident his players would be able to keep pushing to the finish line.
"I'm glad that we've actually made it through to round 17 and we're still running," he said.
"We haven't taken any risks with anybody all year and we've got fresh people – healthy people – coming back into the team.
"(I'm) very confident. We'll be right."
