Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder has taken aim at critics claiming Jobe Watson should lose his Brownlow Medal over his supplement use.

"Jobe has been under the pump this week," Ryder said after the Bombers' seven-point victory in Perth.

"Coming off the Brownlow win they are starting to push on whether he deserved it – he definitely deserved it, he was the best player in the competition.

"It has been pretty emotional but we have shown this year we can ride the storm and come out and play well.

"Jobe just steps up, in the big moments in the game he just steps up and his fitness is second to none.

"He is just a great leader to have around the club.

"He is pretty easy going, you can have a chat with him and have a laugh. Probably not this week he is a bit serious but you look over there now he is having a laugh."

Ryder himself was pivotal to the victory, nullifying the best ruck duo in the league, Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox.

"They are pretty important to the Eagles and when they get their hands on the ball and give (Matt) Priddis and their midfield first use they can be really dangerous," Ryder said.

"Tonight was all about trying to limit their influence, win a few ourselves but just make sure they didn't dominate.

"You see all the time in their games they win easy hit-outs and centre clearances and it puts the back line under heaps of pressure.

"I was happy with my game, it was a massive job.

"I think you've just got to be smart against Naitanui, you are not going to win every jump contest against him so you need to use your body at times and other times get up there and win it yourself."