What Bombers star Jobe Watson learned during his year-long ban

Essendon great Jobe Watson is loving life after footy. And he says it’s all thanks to the worst thing that happened during his AFL career.

Former Essendon star Jobe Watson’s last AFL game, an elimination final loss to Sydney in 2017. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images)

Former Essendon star Jobe Watson has found his happy place after retiring from the AFL.

But it took him a while to get there, revealing he went on a journey of “self-discovery” when his career wound up in 2017.

The two-time All-Australian says moving to New York when he and 11 other Bombers players were banned in 2016 was exactly what he needed before his final season.

Watson believes all AFL players should figure out what they like outside of football before hanging up the boots.

“There was actually a silver lining in that 12 months because of the experience I was able to get and prepare me for life after football,” Watson told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell on Wednesday morning.

Essendon champion Jobe Watson this morning. Picture: 3AW

“I learnt a lot about resilience. It taught me some very valuable lessons about life.

“(As a player approaching retirement) I would give myself some time after the game … to go on a bit of self-discovery to actually work out what you’re really passionate about.

“If you can find something that you’re passionate about it will lead you on a much more positive path than if you’re making decisions out of fear,” he said.

Jobe Watson was all smiles announcing his retirement in 2017.

Content with life as a father to Juniper and a partner to Virginia Slaghekke, Watson says he rarely watches football anymore.

The one game he attended at the ground this year he didn’t even stay until the end.

“I went to the Dreamtime game actually … I left at three quarter time because the Bombers weren’t going too well, but that was my first game for the year,” Watson said.

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“I try watching Essendon on TV, but that would be the only game I would see.

“I miss the camaraderie and teamanship but don’t miss playing anymore.”

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