ESSENDON players are expecting to be interviewed by ASADA investigators in about a fortnight.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson said on Thursday that the Bombers' crowded playing schedule meant they had yet to be given the opportunity to give their version of the events that took place at the club before the start of the 2012 season.

The Bombers play St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday in a twilight game, then will have just five days to back up for the Anzac Day clash with Collingwood the following Thursday.

"We have a tight schedule," Watson said on Melbourne radio SEN.

"So I think it will start in two weeks' time."

Essendon coach James Hird was grilled by ASADA earlier this week and had his own legal representation, however Watson said the AFL Players Association had arranged legal representatives to assist the Essendon players.

Meanwhile, Watson said the Bombers had spoken at length about avoiding a letdown against the Saints after the stirring comeback win over Fremantle last Friday.

"There's no point achieving that (the win over Freo) if you give it back the following week," he said.

"We're expecting a really tough contest against St Kilda."

He said Scott Gumbleton was the likely replacement for the suspended Paddy Ryder this week against the Saints, with highly touted father-son selection Joe Daniher still needing more time in the VFL.