Essendon star Jobe Watson says the Bombers can stop St Kilda creating history this Sunday at Etihad by handing them their first defeat of the season.

""We probably gave them too big a start (last time we played) but we were competitive for the next three quarters so we have to build on that. Hopefully we will start better and make it a tight game, he said.

""Everyone knows how strong their defensive side is and how good their defensive pressure is and one of our strengths is to keep the speed on the game and, if we can do that and be more competitive and consistent during the game, we can give ourselves a chance.

""We have the weapons on the ground to cause them some trouble and it will just be about whether we can match their intensity.""

To watch the Watson interview on Bomber.tv click here.

The 24-year-old said the side has had a flat few weeks but played better footy against Brisbane. He said the Saints would be extra tough following the return of eight big name players.

""We were actually hoping they might need another week to get back to 100%,"" he joked.

""It's pretty daunting when a team can defeat the reigning premier and then bring in those guys.

""But we have Welsh and Lovett back in the team and Hooker and Bellchambers in the mix and it's obviously not the eight players they have but we draw something from having a few guys come back into the side as well.""
 
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Watson rejected suggestions that no side seemed to really want to secure eighth spot on the ladder.

""We are desperate to play (finals) although our performances in the past few weeks probably haven't reflected that,"" he said.

""To plays finals would be a great learning curve for the players. I think the supporters would really appreciate being around in September and not taking a holiday and so would the players.""