APS Sport: Jobe Watson named Xavier College head coach

An Essendon champion is set to return to the footy fold in what some might consider a surprise role. Here’s where he’s landed.

Jobe Watson will coach Xavier College. Photo: AAP.

Jobe Watson is back in the football fold.

The former Essendon star has been named as the new head coach of Xavier College’s First XVIII team for the 2023 Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS) season.

Watson is a former student at Xavier having won the school’s best-and-fairest award in 2002, the same year he was drafted to the Bombers as a father-son selection.

He was also the school’s vice-captain.

“We are delighted to announce that Jobe Watson (OX 2002) has been appointed to the role of Head Coach of the Xavier 1st XVIII Football team,” Xavier College said in a social media post.

“Jobe has had a long and distinguished career in the AFL playing over 220 games for Essendon Football Club, captaining the club from 2010-2016.

“Following his AFL playing career, Jobe has held positions within the AFL media and has built a number of successful businesses abroad.

“Jobe is extremely excited to be taking on the role at Xavier College and is looking forward to working with our Head of Football Dale Amos to grow and evolve the football program.”

The announcement of Watson’s appointment comes just days out from the 2022 AFL Draft.

It’s expected to be a big night for the school with the Davey brothers — Alwyn Jnr and Jayden — both expected to follow the same path as Watson and join Essendon.

Country footy star Jack O’Sullivan is the other player to have nominated for the draft who has attended Xavier.

Xavier College finished third on the ladder during the 2022 season with an 8-2 record.

Brighton Grammar and Caulfield Grammar shared the premiership.