Essendon admit they're relieved, but not relaxed, about facing a Sydney side which doesn't include human powderkeg Barry Hall on Saturday.

The temperamental AFL spearhead's retirement from the Swans this week promises some respite for the Bombers' emerging backline - a revelation this season.

But the intimidation factor Hall would have brought to Saturday's SCG clash is now no longer an issue for a boyish defence which has stood up manfully this year.

While Hall hadn't played against Essendon since 2007, he traditionally performed well against the Bombers - booting 25 goals in his past five matches against them.

"He's been a fantastic player for Sydney, he's one of their most experienced players, and it's another hole in their forward line. But the fact he's not playing, we can't relax," Bombers defender Henry Slattery said.

Sydney star Adam Goodes believes Hall's retirement and the pending departure of his forward line foil Michael O'Loughlin can have positive spin-offs for the Swans for the rest of the season.

"What it does create more opportunities in our forward line without Hally there," Goodes said.

"You're going to miss a guy who can kick five or six goals and win you the game off his boot but at the same time other guys in the forward line will get more opportunity with the ball going their way.

"I think for the rest of the season, having Mick retire and now Hally, it is a send-off for both those guys.

"They've both given so much to the football club - Hally a premiership captain and leading goal scorer for so many years.

"He has been a fantastic contributor to this football club."

Essendon onballer Jobe Watson looks a certain starter for the match on an SCG ground perfectly suited to his stoppage work.

Watson, who has been battling an ankle injury, successfully completed the Bombers' final training session at Windy Hill on Friday.

Aside from a tense moment when he slipped over, Watson showed no ill effects of his injury.

He also seemed to please officials during a separate mini-fitness test held late in the session.

Football manager Paul Hamilton said Watson's progress was promising, but the Bombers would probably wait until the last minute before deciding whether he was in or out.

"The final decision might not be made until tomorrow morning because it really depends on how he pulls up from training today," Hamilton said.

"We're hopeful, the signs are good, and we'll wait and see."

Experienced Mark McVeigh returns after serving a one-week club-imposed suspension for missing training following a night on the town.

The Bombers also welcome back young defender Michael Hurley, who has missed much of the season with a broken wrist.

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