Jason Winderlich has commended stand-in captain Brendon Goddard’s match-winning efforts in getting the Bombers over the line against the Crows.

Goddard had a remarkable 16-disposal last quarter to steer the Bombers home in Saturday night’s nine-point win.

“Brendon was fantastic,” Winderlich said.

“Obviously he has been a proven performer in the last 12 years in big games.”

“He was on Dangerfield in the first three quarters, because we sent Hocking to Smith and then we released him in the last quarter.”

“He’s got a huge tank, BJ, so it was fantastic he could help set up.”

The small forward also recognised defender Michael Hurley’s performance playing on Taylor Walker.

“We just said to him during the week to keep your head in the game,” he said.

“There was a few disappointing patches for him last week, but I thought he was fantastic against the Crows with his ability to stay in the game.”

Winderlich, who had a solid game picking up 20 disposals and booting two crucial goals, said it was good to see Essendon’s solid training program beginning to pay dividends on match day.

“Game time on the weekend is the most enjoyable time of the week because it’s where we get to go out and put our game plan on display,” he said.

“We were pretty lucky, obviously a disappointing result the week before against Melbourne we didn’t take our opportunities.

“So to get off to a good start, with seven straight at quarter time was good.

“When there’s a bit of niggle in the game it’s always good to come out on top and your team wins at the end of the day that’s the main thing.”

The 29-year-old was also a player with a good view of the much-talked about Ben Howlett goal.

“I was actually a couple of meters away from him and I thought it went through.”

“But obviously I haven’t seen a replay yet, so a few of the boys have said this morning that it was a 50-50 call what it could have been.”