Essendon captain Jobe Watson says a win over the Western Bulldogs is critical as the Bombers try to stay masters of their own AFL destiny.

The Bombers have the bye in the last round before the finals and are determined to have their top-eight berth confirmed before they have the week off.

"In the pre-season we had a look at the draw and thought if we're a good enough side it would be a great benefit to have the bye before the finals started," Watson said.

"But what we are fortunate about at the moment is that we have the opportunity to control our own destiny and that is something we're well aware of.

"We don't want to put yourselves in a situation where we're sitting by a TV on the last weekend wondering whether we're going to be there or not."

Essendon returned to the top eight with the one-point win over Sydney last weekend and will start favourites on Saturday night against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

But the Bombers' form is not rock-solid with four rounds left and the Bulldogs will fancy the chance to act as finals spoilers.

After this weekend, Essendon have the tough away trip to play West Coast and then host Port Adelaide before the bye.

The Bombers have regained key defender Tayte Pears from injury for Saturday night's match.

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