Watson, Ben Howlett and Joe Daniher are all a strong chance to take their place in the team for their first hit out of the 2013 pre-season on Saturday night.
Howlett said he had recovered well from a back complaint that had hindered his pre-season over the last month.
“I am really looking forward to getting into the midfield this week and having a good run around,” Howlett said.
“After missing last week against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs it has made pre-season just a little bit longer for me so I can’t wait to get out there.
“That match fitness is really important for us especially in terms of learning and playing to our game plan.”
Howlett has maintained his fitness while recovering from the injury by undertaking a range of non-weight bearing exercises.
“I have still done the majority of the work so I can’t complain in that sense because I am still getting high numbers of kilometres into the legs.”
“I have been doing a lot of boxing, a lot of bike, swimming and anything really that I can do to keep fit,” he said.
“In terms of this pre-season it has been a good one but a little bit frustrating as well.”
It is expected Howlett will be named in the midfield alongside his skipper who confirmed on Friday he was a strong chance to line up in Saturday’s match.
“I would be really keen to play, we probably have only got two games left before the season opener against Adelaide,” Watson said on Friday.
“I will be pushing for selection for that match (Richmond in Wangaratta).”
First round draft selection Daniher did nothing to hinder his chances of selection on Friday afternoon with an impressive showing in the club’s intra-club match taking 12 marks and kicking a bag of goals.
Essendon will embark on their community camp through the Alpine region of Victoria in the lead up to the round two NAB Cup match against Richmond, engaging with the local fans with a super clinic, school and community visits.
