Essendon champion Jobe Watson will be rested from this Friday's match against St Kilda.

It’s the second time the 32 year old will sit out a game this season after he was also rested in round seven. 

Bombers Coach John Worsfold said the decision to leave Watson out was made with a view to ensuring the midfielder is in the best position to perform over the ensuing weeks.

“It's just part of Jobe’s program coming off a couple of six day breaks,” Worsfold said.

“He’s been carrying a little bit of soreness and we saw this as an opportunity to clear that up so he can run out the rest of the season really strongly.”

Craig Bird has been called into the line-up for the first time this season.

The premiership player was a regular feature last year playing 18 games, but has spent all of the 2017 season in the VFL where he’s averaged 25 possessions and six tackles per match.

“His attitude has been outstanding and his form has been brilliant in the VFL to the point where opposition teams have started tagging him, trying to shut down his influence,” Worsfold said.

“He comes in match hardened, fit and in really good form.”

The Saints have won their last four matches, while the Bombers come into the game after a 37 point win over Collingwood.

“They (St Kilda) like to play the game really fast and keep the ball moving,” Worsfold said.

“It’s similar to how we play so it could be a pretty flat out game.

“It will be exciting. They’ve got good hard running key targets up forward to go to.

“Obviously with Jake Carlisle – who everyone knows – they’ve been defending pretty well.

“They are a significant challenge for us.”