ESSENDON veteran Jobe Watson could get another week off before the end of the home and away season, says Bombers coach John Worsfold.

The 32-year-old was rested for the second time this season against St Kilda last week, after a couple of six-day breaks in the lead-up to round 17 took its toll.

Watson returned on Saturday against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, and from the first bounce it was clear to see he was refreshed.

WATCH: Hooker comes to the fore in the fourth 

He had seven disposals and four clearances in the opening quarter, and was one of the Bombers' most influential players early. 

"He obviously felt really good," coach Worsfold said after the win. 

"Even prior to our game last week, later in the week he was rapt that it was the right decision for him."

Five talking points: Essendon v North Melbourne 

When asked whether Watson could be rested again before the season was out, Worsfold didn't rule out the possibility. 

Watson's work around the stoppages and in tight was outstanding for Essendon as they recorded their third win in a row. 

The veteran was the Bombers' equal-second leading possession winner with 27 disposals, 14 of those contested, seven clearances and four inside-50s.

WATCH: John Worsfold's full post-match media conference 

"It was good communication with our fitness and coaching staff to make sure that it was the right time for him, and that's going to help him this week and help him on going throughout the year," Worsfold said. 

The victory, Essendon's ninth for the season, keeps the club's finals hopes very much alive.

Full match coverage and stats

With just five games remaining in the home and away season, Worsfold said he couldn't be sure if Watson would need another rest. 

The victory against the Roos was the Bombers' third in a row, the first time they've achieved such a feat since 2014.

Worsfold was most pleased with the spread of goalkickers against North Melbourne on Saturday, after a reasonably quiet day from star forward Joe Daniher, who managed just two goals.

Swingman Cale Hooker missed several shots at goal early, but didn't lose confidence, kicking five goals, four of those coming in the final term. 

He was ably assisted by Orazio Fantasia, whose strong season continued with a four-goal haul, while fan favourite Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked three. 

"All year we haven't necessarily been relying on any one or two forwards, we get a really good spread and we have to continue to build that for sure," Wosfold said.

"Some of our ball movement going inside 50 was pretty average early, we kicked it short and it got picked off by North players that were rolling back into defence. 

"But when we started to kick it in longer and give those targets a chance we looked a lot more dangerous."

The Bombers face the Western Bulldogs next week at Etihad Stadium, and play just one game (Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium) outside of Melbourne in their run home.