ESSENDON is not concerned it will experience an emotional or physical let down this weekend after its emotional victory over Hawthorn in round one.

With six players returning from a season-long ban, the Bombers stormed home to defeat Hawthorn by 25 points.

However, Worsfold said the returning crew had been prepared throughout the pre-season to back up week after week.

He said the players were under no illusions that last week was only the first round of a long season.

"The players are pretty clear that game was a start but we have to work hard to get better because we are not good enough yet," Worsfold said.

He said the group just wanted to keep improving.

"Our focus is on playing the type of footy we have developed together and building on that, " Worsfold said.

The Bombers have included Ben Howlett to replace Josh Green.

It will be Howlett's first senior game since 2015 after he served the doping ban, but Worsfold said he had been really pleased with the 28-year-old's form.

Worsfold expected the Gabba to be in good shape for Saturday night's game against the Brisbane Lions despite the torrential rain the state experienced during the week.