Essendon coach Mark Thompson is desperate to change Jason Winderlich’s mind and supporters are bribing the 29-year-old to shelve retirement plans.

But Winderlich, one of the the Bombers’ best in a dramatic three-point win over West Coast on Saturday, is ready for his AFL career to end.

“You sort of feel like you have nothing to lose. So I’m just going for it,” he said after booting three second-half goals against the Eagles.

A fan shook Winderlich’s hand in the rooms after the game and deposited a handful of gold coins in the process – joking it was a “donation” intended to plant some seeds of doubt.

It didn’t work.

As Thompson knows full well, Winderlich’s made his mind up on the issue and won’t budge.

“I try and change his mind every week. I’m trying to change it right now,” Thompson said.

“It won’t work though, he’s pretty stubborn.

“It’s clear the club wants him to play on and he’s leaving on his terms. It’s great for him, it’s the best way to do it.”

Winderlich was shifted into attack after halftime and patrolled the Dons’ forward line with aplomb.

“We needed someone to control the structure of the forward line,” Thompson said.

Winderlich said he enjoyed the role, but was “pretty keen on getting Jakey Carlisle back in the side”.

“He gives confidence to guys up the field to go long to the square,” Winderlich added.

Carlisle, the key defender turned influential forward, missed the clash with West Coast due to back spasms.

Thompson said the 22-year-old was feeling better on Saturday.

“Logically thinking, you’d think he would be back,” Thompson said of Carlisle’s chances of playing Gold Coast on Saturday.