ESSENDON coach James Hird has given his players a light week on the training track, despite admitting they need to be "fitter and stronger".

The Bombers face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, and Hird admitted the players had been eased up after the win against Fremantle in Perth.

While only three Victorian teams have lost the week after travelling to Perth this season, Hird said it was important to keep his squad at its peak.

"When we're fresh and playing well we look good but I think we're cautious as to how well you can go week-to-week in this tough competition," he said.

"We haven't trained very hard [this week], we've been careful about our load and making sure they're fresh … we hope they are ready to play.

"We understand winning in Perth is important but we think winning the week after is equally important, if not more important, just to consolidate on that win.

Essendon will be focusing on two keys areas against the Bulldogs, with Hird disappointed his team was beaten in contested possessions and clearances against Freo.

"We can improve ... we need to be stronger and fitter, I still think we're a little bit off in that area," he said.

"We lost contested ball and clearances last week and had a run of goals kicked against us.

"We want to make sure we match the Bulldogs in that area and then do better elsewhere."

And despite ruckman Tom Bellchambers being overlooked for a second successive week, Hird said the 22-year-old will still be given opportunities.

Bellchambers, who declared himself the team's No. 1 ruckman in May while fellow big man David Hille was injured, was dumped after successive losses earlier this month.

It came despite an impressive nine-game stretch while Hille battled a calf complaint.

Hille and Bellchambers have not played in the same team since round 22 last season.

"David [Hille] was very good last week [against Fremantle], we know we have three very good ruckman, Tom, Paddy [Ryder] and David, and they will all get opportunities. We have to get the most out of all of them rather than one or two," Hird said.