Patrick Ambrose has made a smooth return to the Essendon defence after three months on the sidelines.

The hard-nosed defender helped the Bombers record an eight-point win over Carlton to remain in the finals race.

Ambrose spent much of the game on Charlie Curnow and restricted the promising Carlton forward to one goal and four marks.

“It was an amazing feeling to be back out there, it was a little more stressful than I would have hoped but a great hit out and I’ll be better for it,” Ambrose said.

“I was alright in the contest but I’ve just got to get involved in the attack a bit more.”

Ambrose hadn’t played since ANZAC Day because of back-to-back quad injuries.

His return looked destined to end in defeat when Carlton held an 11-point lead in the last quarter.

But the Dons rallied late in the match with goals to Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Cale Hooker securing the win.

“Those grinding wins is what builds footy clubs and it was great in that last quarter that we stood up,” Ambrose said.