DESPITE its 30-point win over West Coast leaving Essendon a game-and-a-half clear inside the top four, Brad Scott has conceded it "doesn't feel firm".

The Bombers now have a record of nine wins from 14 games this season and shook off a poor run into last week's bye to establish an aggressive, attacking game against the Eagles. But for Scott, nothing is certain.

BOMBERS v EAGLES Full match coverage and stats

"We try not to, as players and coaches, but you probably go into a game with a subconscious expectation of what should happen. But the competition keeps telling you that's not the case," Scott said post-match.

"It's tighter than it's ever been … and things change really quickly."

He was quick to point out Sam Durham's rise, after the midfielder had arguably a best-on-ground performance with 29 disposals and a goal in the win.

"If I'd sat here saying two years ago that Sam Durham would be doing what he's doing now, no-one would have believed me, even though we could see the upward trajectory he was on," Scott said.

"The great thing about Sam is that he's an incredibly humble, down-to-earth person, and they're great qualities, but he doesn't realise right now what he's capable of."

The decision to manage ruck Todd Goldstein and bring in young key forward Nate Caddy was an inspired move, as Caddy competed well in the air and kicked two goals for the Bombers, but Scott conceded that Goldstein's return is the likely scenario for next week's clash with Geelong.