ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson says injury and scheduling mean the Bombers may be forced to use as many as 32 players in the opening five rounds.

The Bombers used just 35 players throughout 2011.

Essendon has been beset by soft-tissue injuries this year because of a pre-season designed to increase power, and must take on Collingwood on Anzac Day just five days after tackling Carlton. 

Mark McVeigh, David Hille, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Courtenay Dempsey and David Myers are among those who have suffered soft-tissue injuries over the opening rounds.

"[The injury rate] probably gives some young guys the chance to play before 95,000 either on Saturday against Carlton or on Anzac Day," Watson said on SEN.

The Bombers skipper says the club will worry about selection for the Collingwood match next Wednesday after they've played against Carlton on Saturday.

"We're just focusing on the Carlton game," Watson said. "Then we'll assess how guys have recovered for Anzac Day."

Watson said he had benefited from the power-based pre-season.

"We've done a lot more explosive work," he said.

"I've found that beneficial. I'm carrying more muscle, which has translated into more power.

"I've personally found it's been really beneficial. You can read a lot into injuries, which are just bad luck."

Jobe Watson is a $499,400 ($6900) midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here.