ESSENDON has its chance to rebound from its disappointing loss to Melbourne when it meets the Sydney Swans on Saturday night, and coach James Hird identified the Swans as the perfect opponent to gauge his side's response.

The Bombers' six-point defeat to the Demons came on the back of a poor second half against Richmond in round eight and a scratchy win over Greater Western Sydney in round nine.

Hird admitted his team might have been going through a 'down' period but says it can't afford to repeat that effort against the Swans, who sit fifth on the ladder.

"You have ebbs and flows in seasons and maybe that had [something] to do with it [last week], but the boys are under no illusions how hard this game will be against Sydney," Hird said on Friday.

"The pressure Sydney brings, the type of game Sydney plays…I think it's a perfect game to test yourself and test whether your competitive instincts and ability to win contested ball is back right on track. Because if it's not, you'll be in a lot of trouble against the Sydney Swans."

The Bombers can open a two-game gap on the Swans if they get over the line this weekend, and will regain midfielder David Myers to help their cause.

Myers hasn't played a senior game since straining his hamstring in round two against Port Adelaide, but Hird said his inclusion, at the expense of Travis Colyer, would be important against the hard-bodied Swans.

"We think we need a bigger body at Etihad. I think it will be a more contested game and Dave Myers bring us that bigger body," Hird said.

But while Myers has returned, David Hille's comeback to the AFL has received a slight setback, with the ruckman ruled out of this weekend's VFL game.

Hille also hasn't played for the Bombers since round two when he injured his calf, but played for Bendigo Gold in the VFL last week.

The 31-year-old hurt his neck in a heavy collision and the club is taking a cautious approach, with Hird saying he expects Hille to play an important role in the second half of the season. 

"Tom [Bellchambers] and Paddy [Ryder] have been excellent so far this year but there's going to be a point where David will need to play some games and the three will need to combine to play some really good football for us," Hird said.

"We're itching to get David into the team and we're just waiting for the right time and for him to be fully fit."

Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.