Defender Michael Hibberd finished with 30 disposals in an instrumental performance to help Essendon to a nine point win over Adelaide on Saturday night.

Hibberd copped a knock to his leg early in Saturday night’s match but played out the game, becoming influential in his side’s win.

The 24-year-old was modest about his match following the game.

 “I defended pretty well when I had to and a few of the boys looked after me by using me when I was in dangerous spots,” Hibberd told BomberTV.

“The defenders help me out a lot and I like to think I help them out a lot with the strength in my game being able to get back and help out the big guys.

“It was a good game all around and a good win from the team.”

Coach Mark Thompson praised the performance of the dashing defender in his post match media conference.

“His game tonight was really gutsy and the first player I went to on the ground was him because he got an injury early,” Thompson said.

“It is easy for people to push one and not play that well but he actually kept going and I thought it was one of his better games. He is a good player.”

The Bombers coach admitting Hibberd is in doubt for Friday night’s blockbuster against Geelong.

Hibberd said the match against the Cats was an exciting prospect and he would be doing all he could to take his place in the side.

“It will be a big Friday night game against Geelong and there is no doubt they will come out firing after having a loss to the Gold Coast today,” he said.

“We will be looking forward to that one, we haven’t beaten them since my first year at the club and we would like to beat them again to boost ourselves up the ladder.”

Hibberd said an emphasis on maintaining a high work rate for the majority of the game paid off for his side in their win over the Crows.

“We had an emphasis on the first effort, first contest and the importance of being able to hold on to that for the rest of the game,” he said.

“By the end of the game everyone was stuffed because there were a lot of hard contests and a lot of quick ball movement.”

“There was a lot of talk on the field, direction and leadership from guys who don’t usually do it.”

“I think those guys who we spoke about during the week really stepped up and I think that is what helped us win the game.”