Andrew Lovett has jetted his way back into the senior side in style, with the speedy midfielder a pivotal contributor in Essendon’s thrilling 16-point win over long-standing rivals Carlton.

The fleet-footed midfielder was in impressive form, blitzing his opponents on numerous occasions to provide the Bombers with the spark they needed.

“I was pleased with how I went but, overall, it was just a great feeling to be able get out there with the boys in such a close game,” Lovett said immediately after the game.

“I’m actually a bit overawed at the moment but I’m glad we were able to secure the win because I have missed being out there and it is so good to be back.”

As with previous encounters between the two sides, the lead swung back and forth throughout the game with neither team able to take control, however Lovett had faith in Essendon would prevail.

“I never doubted our ability to snare the four points,” Lovett said.

“Matthew Knights has implemented strong structures and a good game plan and the boys were able to stick to them for most of the match to eventually seal the win.

Patrick Ryder - Essendon's best defender on the night - thrilled fans when he pushed forward to kick a first-quarter goal. Monfries capped off his early impressive contributions for the term with a snap around the body resulting in a goal, seconds before the quarter time siren to give the Bombers an eight-point lead.

Alwyn Davey led the charge to lift Essendon’s defensive pressure around stoppages in the second term. Andrew Lovett created some magic of his own as he streamed through the corridor, evading all opponents and capping off his efforts with an inspirational goal.

Playing with the ferocity he is renowned for throughout the first half, Mark McVeigh was rewarded for his efforts as he goaled after the siren to give Essendon a 16-point lead heading into the long break.

Carlton held the upper hand in the third term with Eddie Betts and Brendan Fevola emerging as serious thorns in the Bombers’ side along with the brilliant Chris Judd.

The match-winning confidence Essendon had shown late in the second term faded quickly as the Bombers’ struggled to clear the ball out of the centre. The Bombers were not helped by the fact that Leroy Jetta was forced to the boundary with a hamstring injury.

Carlton, meanwhile, was flying as they continued to bombard the scoreboard due, mostly, to Fevola - who had seven goals by the end of the third term.

Two late goals to the Bombers set the scene for a thrilling final term of football with only one-point separating the two sides at the last break.

It was a final quarter to remember. McVeigh marked and goaled early before his team-mates chipped in to quickly build a healthy Bomber lead. Just when the game appeared over, goals to Marc Murphy and Fevola saw Carlton continue to hang in with a chance.

A timely captain's goal to Matthew Lloyd, his forth for the game, eventually sealed the win. Lovett believes such a hard-fought victory should boost the Bombers confidence heading into next week.

“It will definitely help the boys going into our next match,” Lovett said.