Jobe Watson trains at St Bernard’s College in preparation for return to Essendon
JOBE Watson looked in top physical shape as he hit the training track today in preparation for his return to Essendon. FIRST PICTURES
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IF JOBE Watson isn’t playing footy for Essendon next season, he will be in good shape for whatever he does instead.
The suspended Essendon captain hit the training track at St Bernard’s College on Friday morning with a small group of Bombers including Cale Hooker and Ben Howlett.
He looked in top physical condition, not showing any ill effects of being out of the game for 12 months and only returning to Australia from New York last week.
STATE OF PLAY: WHERE DO RETURNING BOMBERS FIT IN?
All other players banned by WADA for their part in the Bombers’ disgraced supplements program were permitted to return to their clubs on Wednesday.
Watson has to wait an extra nine days after appearing in the 2014 International Rules Series. He is expected to return to Essendon’s training base at Tullamarine next Friday for the first time since January but is yet to decide if he will play AFL next year.
The 2012 Brownlow medallist — who is still awaiting an AFL verdict on whether he keeps his medal — trained with his banned teammates at the private school in Essendon West earlier in the year before spending several months in New York working as a barista.
His father, Essendon champion Tim Watson, revealed this week Jobe planned to return to New York.
“I’m not quite sure whether or not that means that he’s not going to play or he’s just decided that he wants to go back there for another short break before he picks up again and starts training,” Watson said.
Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell, tipped to take over from Watson as captain next season whether he plays or not, said on Thursday night he still didn’t know what Jobe’s intensions are.
“Honestly he’s kept his cards that close to his chest, I don’t think his dad or anyone knows what he’s doing,” Heppell said.
“He’s in really good condition. He’s prepared his body as if he is coming back.
“He’s obviously taking his time to make that call and when he’s ready and when the time is right, he’ll announce that.
“Whatever way that goes, everyone obviously really respects his decision.
“I’d love to have him back at the footy club but either way that goes it’ll play out in the near future.”
Watson is the only remaining banned Bomber yet to confirm his intentions for next season after the retirement of Tayte Pears last week.
Originally published as Jobe Watson trains at St Bernard’s College in preparation for return to Essendon
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