Essendon coach Mark Thompson’s decision to play Jake Carlisle up forward for the majority of the season was focused on planning for the club’s long-term future.

Carlisle played the best game of his 64 game career on Sunday against Collingwood at the MCG with 19 marks, 26 disposals and four goals.

Thompson said he was shocked to see the way Carlisle performed against the Magpies.

“I was thinking in about five years time,” Thompson said on Monday in regards to his persistence to keep Carlisle forward.

“Imagine if we had Daniher and Carlisle, two tall forwards at 26 years of age.”

“It would be pretty hard to stop.”

The Bombers have lined up with an inexperienced forward line for most of this season after losing Stewart Crameri to the Bulldogs and being without Tom Bellchambers for most of the season.

Thompson said he was pleased to see Carlisle living up to the standards he is capable of playing at.

“I am just happy to see him playing well, he is a good young man,” Thompson said.

“He was struggling and I think it is the first time he has coped a bit of scrutiny from the media.”

“He has played a lot there as a junior and he played a lot there last year believe it or not.”

“He probably played about a quarter of the season their last year and I felt like every time he went forward last year he has more idea about how to play forward then anyone at the club.”

“He just times his leads, he has spatial awareness of his opponents, he is a nice kick and mark so it is perfect.”