ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights says the team now has its desired game structure in place, but has to continue to work on executing it well in the heat of battle.

Speaking after the hard-fought 20-point win over bitter rivals Carlton, Knights said there were times in the match, especially late in the second quarter, when the Bombers had control of the tempo of the contest but chose to try to "fizz" the ball through the central corridor and gave away cheap goals.

"It's about understanding there is a time and a place ... but we are getting there," he said.

"We are still working on [our game plan]; we are working on it hard. We endeavour to get better each week, and we will go back this week to try to get better at executing our structures."

Knights was delighted with the efforts of defenders Tayte Pears, Cale Hooker and the ageless Dustin Fletcher, as well as with the improved form of former Hawthorn forward Mark Williams, who kicked four goals.

He said the Bombers' forward line was far from settled in the wake of the retirements of Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas, but Williams had begun to make his mark.

"He really worked his way into the game," Knights said. "The goal he kicked from the boundary line really gave the players a lift. His work rate was better; I think he generated a lot more of his own possessions."

Knights said Michael Hurley would be in contention for a recall to the senior side for the trip to West Coast next week after serving a three-week club suspension. Hurley kicked four goals for the Bendigo Bombers against the Northern Bullants on Saturday afternoon.

Small forward Angus Monfries was likely miss again with a quad strain, while Mark McVeigh's status was "unknown" following his five-night stay in hospital with blood poisoning, Knights said.