Essendon star Jobe Watson will meet John Worsfold next week

JOBE Watson’s contract saga will draw closer to a resolution next week when he sits down with John Worsfold for the first time.

Jobe Watson will meet with John Worsfold next week. Picture: Nicole Garmston

JOBE Watson’s contract saga will draw closer to a resolution next week when he sits down with John Worsfold for the first time since the Brownlow medallist’s return to Australia.

Watson, who is allowed back in Essendon headquarters again on Wednesday, discussed his future with chief executive Xavier Campbell late in the week.

But with Essendon no closer to knowing if he will actually return to honour his 2017 contract, Worsfold will return from holidays to discuss Watson’s position.

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Watson again trained with a group of Essendon players including Brent Stanton, Cale Hooker, Heath Hocking and Ben Howlett on Friday.

In a session taken by former Carlton fitness boss David Buttifant and ex-Essendon player Sean Wellman, Watson looked chiselled and ready for AFL action.

Jobe Watson trained with teammates on Friday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The group conducted a series of run-throughs, agility drills and some short kicking exercises as they await a late November pre-season start.

Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell told AFL360 on Thursday night he still had no idea if Watson would return to footy.

“Honestly he’s kept his cards that close to his chest,’’ he said.

“I don’t even think his dad or anyone knows what he’s doing.

“He’s in really good condition, he’s prepared his body as if he is coming back.

“So he’s obviously taking his time to make that call and when he’s ready and when the time’s right he’ll announce that.”

Originally published as Essendon star Jobe Watson will meet John Worsfold next week