Essendon coach Brad Scott said the win gave his side confidence heading into next week's Anzac Day clash against reigning premier Collingwood.
Playing in their third Friday night in a row, the Bombers headed to Adelaide Oval after a big win last week against the Bulldogs looking to secure their fourth win of the season.
In a tight contest under Friday night lights, the Bombers took home the win in a thriller with a three point win.
"It's good reward for effort," Scott said after the win.
"We obviously had a really poor two quarters here two weeks ago, probably two and a half quarters (against Port Adelaide).
"But outside of that, the effort and intent [has] been pretty good for the year and we sit now four and two."
Essendon's initial six games included three away — against both South Australian clubs in Adelaide and the Swans at the SCG.
"It's pretty hard to avoid the odds these days when you look at a fixture, I think we've started favourite in one of those (games)," Scott said.
"I can say we've got a lot of work to do but clearly at least the bookmakers in the industry think the same. We're certainly not getting ahead of ourselves. We know where we're at. But it's good reward for effort to sit here 4-2."
"Belief is something you build one step at a time, and we've taken another step tonight," he said.
Turning his attention to Collingwood, Scott savoured his first experience as an Essendon coach on Anzac Day last year. "I knew it was huge but last year I was blown away," he said.
"I've been really fortunate in my AFL life to be a part of some really big games and finals and grand finals and Anzac Day sits out on its own.
"Anzac Day is an unbelievable privilege. It's a unique game.
"It's a huge occasion as a club, we're privileged to be able to put ourselves in a finals-like atmosphere in round seven against the reigning premier. So what an opportunity."
