Watson finished the match with 29 possessions and two goals in a best on ground display against the Eagles.
“We always knew that he was going to come out fighting,” Stanton said.
“It has been a tough week for him but he is a genuine leader who as a genuine care for this football club and his teammates.”
“He really wanted to play well, he did that and I think the whole team supported him as well.”
The Bombers defeated the Eagles for the first time since 2001 at Patersons Stadium, booting six of the last seven goals of the match.
Stanton said the group was confident in their ability to win from any position this season.
“The maturity of the side that we have developed over the last few months is unbelievable,” he said.
“The belief in this group at the moment is second to none and if we can keep that and play footy for a whole game rather than a half then it will put us in good stead.”
Essendon’s next match comes against Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
