Essendon Coach James Hird says it would be unfair to drop Shaun McKernan after one performance.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein was best on ground last week in the Kangaroos win over the Bombers but Hird is backing McKernan to bounce back.

“I don’t believe after one performance where you get beaten that you throw a player out,” Hird said.

“I think Shaun has brought something to the team that has been good and I certainly don’t believe that you throw a player away and go and get another just on one performance.”

Jonathan Giles will have another opportunity to press his claims in the VFL on Saturday.

He’s averaging 14 possessions, 24 hit outs and a goal a game in that competition.

“He’s starting to play the way we want him to play,” Hird said.

“He played well last week, we hope he plays well this week and there’s an opportunity maybe next week, who knows.”

Essendon considered playing both McKernan and Giles this week, but opted to go with one main ruck option because of concerns an extra tall would reduce the side's run.

“We want to continue to be able to spread and run,” Hird said. 

“We think we’ve got enough talls and don’t probably want to play another.

“The ruck work is important but it’s not the only thing that will decide the game.” 

McKernan will face Matthew Lobbe and former Bomber Paddy Ryder on Saturday night.

The Port Adelaide ruckmen kicked five goals between them last week.

It’s the first time Ryder will face his old side and while Hird expects some banter, he doesn’t think it will cross the line.

“Hopefully they have some fun out there but I think it will all be done in the right spirit,” he said.