ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights believes utility-turned-midfielder Andrew Welsh has reinvented his career since his efforts against Adelaide in round 10.

Speaking after his side's 48-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, Knights hailed Welsh's performance of 29 disposals and four goals after recovering from last week's concussion against Richmond.

"I was never going to stop him playing and he was right to go," Knights said.

"He's reinvented his career hasn't he? In a role against top midfielders and to his credit, he not only inhibits them, but he wins his own ball which is most important.

"You can't just stop and not get any ball yourself and that's pleasing with Andrew."

Knights reflected on Welsh's turnaround against the Crows, which has since seen him take on some of the key midfielders in the competition.

"He played on (Brett) Burton early and he struggled on Burton, who is an outstanding player," Knights recalled.

"The next week at match committee we said, 'He's fit, he's strong and he communicates well' – which is a big part of playing in the midfield.

"And if he gets the ball, he can hurt the opposition, because his skills are quite sound.

"We thought we'd give him a crack at it and some of the jobs he's done on the likes of (Scott) Pendlebury and Sam Mitchell have been superb, so full credit to him," Knights added.

"He's really embraced what we've done."