Essendon coach John Worsfold is 100 per cent certain Jobe Watson will play in 2017

ESSENDON coach John Worsfold has seen a major improvement in Jobe Watson over the past week after struggling with his decision to hand back his 2012 Brownlow Medal.

JOBE Watson has emerged muddied but merry from Essendon’s team camp with coach John Worsfold 100 per cent certain he will play next year.

Worsfold revealed last month Watson’s passion for the game had waned after he handed back his 2012 Brownlow Medal.

WATCH VISION OF ESSENDON’S TRAINING CAMP IN THE VIDEO ABOVE

But Watson appeared to have his groove back after a demanding training camp at HMAS Cerberus on the Mornington Peninsula, where the team conquered a gruelling mud run through swamp-like conditions.

Asked if he was 100 per cent confident Watson would play in 2017, Worsfold said: “I am. I think he’s going to get better day by day in terms of the spring in his step.”

“I’ve seen a massive change in the last week.

Jobe Watson covered in mud during Essendon’s four-day camp at HMAS Cerberus. Picture: Michael Klein

“It’s exciting ... A big part of my focus, other than coaching the team, is to see one of the champions of our game have passion for the game.”

Essendon participated in the four-day camp under Royal Australian Navy trainer command — on Wednesday a 4.30am wakeup call was followed by a game of dodge ball.

“(Watson’s) been great, really great,” Worsfold said.

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“He’s embraced it, he’s enjoyed a lot of the activities ... great to see him smiling. When he’s here with the boys and on the training track, he looks like that’s where he loves being.

“That’s a big part of what we know will make sure that he loves the game again.

“He’s been as you would expect, a very strong leader around the group.”

Jobe Watson and recruit Josh Green during the camp. Picture: Michael Klein

Essendon is yet to announce its captain or leadership group and Worsfold said the camp was likely to have some bearing on who led the club.

Watson was skipper for six years before his enforced 12-month lay-off for a doping offence.

“The players will have the biggest say, so the fact that they’ve had this intense time together in a lot of different activities helps them understand each other,” Worsfold said.

“So when I ask them who do you think are best to lead in the traits that we want to show this year, they’ll have a lot better idea.”

Jobe Watson walks through the mud. Picture: Michael Klein