Essendon coach Mark Thompson rates Saturday night's win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval as the club's best so far in season 2014.

The Bombers entered the game as underdogs, fighting to keep their finals hopes alive.

They appeared in control for much of the contest before surviving an almighty challenge late in the game during which Thompson admitted he thought his side would lose.

The two-point victory drew the club level with Adelaide, just one win out of the top eight.

Prior to Saturday night, the Bombers had lost four games this season by less than three goals, including last week's heart-breaking, nine-point defeat by Geelong.

Thompson described the loss as a significant moment for the playing group. 

"I think it's clearly our best performance because they're a good team and we know they're a good team," Thompson said.

"I think last week was a big wakeup call for the squad, all week they've been really honest with each other, talking about their on-field experiences and opening themselves up to their weaknesses.

"They dealt with a lot of stuff. I think they thought 'well we can play these games, win occasionally, lose some' but I think it meant something last week losing to Geelong.

"They're prepared to do something about it – good sign."

The win marks the continuation of a stunning record away from home for the Bombers, who have won 13 of their last 19 games on the road.

Prior to that, the side had only managed to win seven out of its previous 23 away games.

Thompson said the statistic might simply mean the Bombers were improving as a football side.

"From my experiences, if you have a good team you win anywhere, against any team, in any situation – you just win," he said.

"It might be just saying we're becoming a better club."