Biography
A breakout year in 2009 saw Watson deservedly claim Essendon’s best and fairest award, finish sixth in the AFL for hard-ball gets and first at the club for handballs (322) and loose-ball gets (64). Elite around the stoppages, the midfielder displayed marked improvement with his kicking and running capacity. His efforts were rewarded when he was appointed captain for the 2010 season.
Jobe Watson represented Vic Metro in 2002 and Sandringham U18s, before being drafted under the father-son rule at pick number 44 overall in 2002. As the son of Essendon legend and Hall of Fame inductee Tim Watson, he will inevitably be compared with his father, but he has shown plenty of ability as a tough midfielder and forward in his own right. He made his debut in Round 13, 2003 against Geelong at Telstra Dome. He managed to play seven senior games in 2004, mainly as a forward off the bench.
He was a standout for the Bendigo Bombers in 2005, yet played only five games in the senior side.
Watson shed 7 kg in the 2006 pre-season and showed the benefits by performing well in the midfield even though the team had a poor year. His improvement was acknowledged by his 2nd place in the 2006 Crichton Medal award.
He played 19 games in 2007 and 19 in 2008 and has become a very valuable member of the team's midfield.
Player honours: 2nd Crichton Medal 2006; Most improved player 2006; Player of the Year 2006
Brownlow Medal: votes:5
Draft history: 2002 National Draft, selection 40 Father/Son rule
Club: Essendon FC
Number: 4
Height: 190
Weight: 92
DOB: 08-02-1985
Debut: 2003
Games: 98
Goals: 37
Recruited from: 2002 National Draft, selection 40 Father/Son rule