AFL world reacts to news Jobe Watson will hand back 2012 Brownlow Medal

THE AFL world has praised Jobe Watson after he decided to hand back his 2012 Brownlow Medal, but his club hasn’t escaped the blowtorch.

Jobe Watson has decided to hand back his 2012 Brownlow Medal.

THE AFL world has praised Jobe Watson after he decided to hand back his 2012 Brownlow Medal.

Teammate Dyson Heppell learnt the news from reporters as he left the club’s Tullamarine headquarters this afternoon.

“Jobe’s a very unselfish man,” Heppell said.

“I have an enormous amount of respect for the guy and we continue to move forward from here.”

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Former Bomber Adam Cooney said the situation was “devastating” for Watson, who resumed training with his teammates this week.

“He’s been through more than anyone else at Essendon the last three to four years,” Cooney said on SEN.

People will shoot him down, but reckon Watson put the game ahead of himself.. He's a class act, that man. @superfooty

— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) November 11, 2016

“He’s copped the brunt of everything that’s happened and for him to go back and hand his Brownlow Medal in is devastating for him and the Essendon footy club.

“What it is, is a great insight to what sort of person Jobe Watson is, he’s a great man, a great leader and a man of huge integrity.

“No doubt it’s been weighing on his mind the whole time and he just thinks the best thing for this whole case is for him to hand back the medal.

“It’s great that he’s done it in a way but I feel really sorry for him.”

"The fairest & best thing to do is to give it back."
So much admiration for @JobeWatson as a human being.

— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) November 11, 2016

Bombers champion Matthew Lloyd said Watson made the right choice but he was let down by people at Essendon.

“But it’s another big hit in this sorry affair for a guy who puts his heart and soul into his career and was let down by individuals at the football club,” he told 3AW.

“It’s just another disappointing day.”

Yes he was going to lose it anyway, yes it makes him look good...but very dignified by @JobeWatson. Hope he kills it next season.

— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) November 11, 2016

Once again @EssendonFC captain Jobe Watson shows he is a class act

— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) November 11, 2016

The AFL Players Association issued a statement saying it respected Watson’s decision.

“Despite this outcome, Jobe remains a true champion of our game and a universally respected leader.

“Jobe has spoken of his values driving his decision and in all of the AFLPA’s dealings with him he has proven to be a man of great integrity and he has displayed incredible selflessness in making this decision.

“We hope now that Jobe and all of his 33 past and present teammates are given the space to move on from this sorry saga.”

Sam Mitchell, who finished joint runner-up to Watson with Trent Cotchin, was in the middle of a press conference with his new club West Coast when the news broke.

“I’m not here to talk about that,” Mitchell said in response to questions

...and will always be regarded as a Brownlow medalist https://t.co/vRqYGHEplA

— tony jones (@TJch9) November 11, 2016

No one should ever question the integrity of Jobe Watson. Under unprecedented & unimaginable pressure, he continues to show absolute class.

— Xavier Campbell (@XCampbell79) November 11, 2016