Essendon coach John Worsfold isn't getting carried away after the Bombers' hard-fought win but hardly comprehensive win over Sydney at the MCG on Saturday.

The 10-point victory saw Essendon move to 8-7 ahead and temporarily sit inside the top eight for the first time this season, despite another challenging week on the injury front.

"We were really satisfied with the win," Worsfold said.

"It's been a tough six days, losing Ambrose, Bellchambers and then 'Hepp' (Dyson Heppell) today, so I'm pleased with the way everyone stepped up."

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While it was a scrappy affair, Worsfold said winning ugly was another sign of his side's growing maturity.

He said it was an even contribution that led to the Bombers' game-breaking final term, but reserved praise for players young and old.

"It was one of those games where a lot of players looked average at times," Worsfold said.

"We're pleased with the way Francis came in. He hadn't played down back last week, but came in there and did the job and showed good signs.

"Zac Clarke hasn't played a lot of footy in the last six weeks. He's been on standby for us. I wouldn't say he won the contest, but especially late he was strong for us.

"Some of McGrath's line-breaking stuff in that last quarter was outstanding. He could have been the hero if he nailed a couple of kicks, but he got the ball and really took the game on, which had a massive impact for us.

"Zach Merrett fought on really strongly.

"Across the board, I'm pleased with the way the boys stuck to what we want to achieve, even though it took us a while to get there."

As for external opinions about whether his side can contend for the flag, Worsfold said that would come down to several factors, which he listed.

"If we're in the finals at the end of the year, how other teams are going, the health of our group and how hard we continue to work," Worsfold said.

"We've got a big game next week (against North Melbourne). We're going to make improvements week on week through training and more games.

"Playing together, building the chemistry. Our forward line has been a bit more settled, (Jake) Stringer back in today.

"We'll take whatever opportunities are going to be there for us."

Worsfold was hopeful of having captain Dyson Heppell back after he missed the win over the Swans.

"He's got a sore foot that's been there for a couple of weeks. It's been recovering well enough post-game. This week it was a bit sorer," Worsfold said.

"It was hard for 'Hepp' to say it's probably the best thing to give it a week off, but we felt that was certainly in his best interest."

Cale Hooker, 30, had his back worked on in several stints on the bench.

"He was just a bit stiff in the back. I'm not sure why, whether it was an incident in the game or whether he, I'm not going to say the o-l-d word, but anyway," Worsfold said.

The Bombers will host North Melbourne in a Saturday twilight game at Marvel Stadium next week.