The decision by the Essendon coaching staff to move Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti forward, nearly helped the side get over the line against St Kilda.

McDonald-Tipungwuti has spent the early part of his career in defence, but he brought his flair and defensive pressure to the forward half against the Saints where he booted two and had a hand in several others.

“I found out on Thursday, 'Woosh' came up to me and said ‘you’re going to play forward and see how you go’,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“I’ve played forward before and it sort of comes naturally.

“I had Joey, Will Hams and Raz there – they helped me out with where to go and things like that.

“My game was forward pressure and bring the ball in, take a couple of marks and set up a few goals.

“I was pretty happy with my game and all the boys were encouraging me to keep going.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti was a constant threat in attack and ended the game with 17 possessions and five tackles.

He’s played 14 games this season after being picked up in the rookie draft late last year.

The Bombers rested 'Walla' a few weeks and the 23-year-old said recovery has been a focus for him in his first AFL season.

“A lot of recovery and just keeping my body maintained and strong enough to play well,” he said.

“Extra recoveries, ice baths and swimming – I know what to do now to keep my body well and ready for the next game."

The Bombers looked set to record their second win of the season when they hit the front midway through the last term, but the Saints rallied.

McDonald-Tipungwuti said playing out the game strongly had been a focus for the team.

“For us it was to play every minute – that’s one of our values – and that’s what we did,” he said.

“I was proud of the boys for their effort.

“Hopefully we can get that win in the next week or two weeks and finish off the season with a couple of wins.”