Jobe Watson’s compensation claim against Essendon is set to soar after losing the Brownlow Medal

JOBE Watson’s seven-figure compensation claim against his own club is set to soar after he officially lost the Brownlow Medal on Tuesday.

Jobe Watson handed back his Brownlow Medal last week. Picture: Getty Images

JOBE Watson’s seven-figure compensation claim against his own club is set to soar after he officially lost the Brownlow Medal on Tuesday.

The AFL Commission reaffirmed his ineligibility for the 2012 award as they handed it on to runners-up Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell.

Watson is among about half the Essendon 2012 list yet to agree on a compensation claim figure.

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Most Brownlow Medallist in the modern era have turned their accolade into a massive money spinner both during after their playing careers.

The lucrative speaking tour, rich endorsements and memorabilia returns have all enhanced their earnings.

But the ongoing saga has denied Watson any opportunity to cash in, with the drug saga exploding just five months after he received the medal.

Jobe Watson has returned to Essendon. Picture: David Caird

The Bombers have scoffed at speculation Watson might receive up to $4 million dollars in tax-free compensation.

Still, the loss of the Brownlow shapes as a key negotiating point as the Bombers and players close in on finalising all settlements.

The retrospective decision has cost Mitchell and Cotchin four years to cash in on their deals.

It is understood Mitchell had a one-off Brownlow Medal bonus of between $30,000 to $80,000 in his contract.

Industry sources said the majority of elite players have Brownlow Medal clauses that can raise a contract by up to $100,000 a season.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and Commission chair Mike Fitzpatrick lauded Watson’s noble act.

“I think Jobe’s actually enhanced the award by doing what he did,’’ Fitzpatrick said.

“In respecting the values of the competition and putting the interests of the game before his own, Jobe has shown his commitment to fair play — the qualities of a champion.

“In stepping forward and handing back the medal, Jobe Watson demonstrated a willingness to consider the game beyond his own personal situation.

“The impact of this decision on him and his family is one of great sadness for the game. Essendon has apologised to Jobe Watson and the game for the position it placed the club champion.”

McLachlan declared a full stop on the game’s biggest nightmare but said the Watson decision gave him no joy.

Jobe Watson will his 2012 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Getty Images

“Clearly that feels like it’s the last decision this Commission will have to make. I don’t know if relief is the right word.

“I think that if there’s a silver lining today, that’s it. There are not many days like this where you have a significant personal empathy for the position of someone.

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“In this situation — I’ve said this in the past, and whether it’s been at risk or whatever, that I feel that the players are victims here. You’re reconciling that with discharging your duties and doing what you feel is appropriate to protect the integrity of the Brownlow Medal and the integrity of this competition generally.

“When they mix, you don’t want to dwell on it, but clearly that has some challenges. But you just do what you think is appropriate and discharge the duties and that’s what has happened today.”