ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights has praised the efforts of Nathan Lovett-Murray during the draw against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday night, after he was charged with driving while unlicensed and possessing a drug of dependence during the week.

Lovett-Murray, who is set to vigorously contest the possession charge in October, was among Essendon's best, collecting 23 disposals and playing one of his best matches for the season.

Knights said it had been a tough week for the 26-year-old.

"We're really proud of his resilience. He's had a tough week and unless you're in his shoes, you don't really properly understand what he's been through," he said.

"To come out and play hard tonight and to come out and play on a quality opponent in [Jared] Brennan, who is pretty important for Brisbane Lions, I thought he did a good job for us.

"He sparked us in the third quarter with some of his run and he kicked a nice goal also late in the game, so full credit to Nathan to be able to knuckle down after a tough week off the field."