Watson may not follow Hurley’s lead

They’ve re-signed Michael Hurley but keeping Jobe Watson in the AFL might be a much harder challenge for Essendon.

Former captain and Bombers legend Tim Watson is still unsure whether his son will return to the AFL from his supplements ban as he continues his long overseas holiday.

However he is already questioning whether the 31-year-old will have the same passion and desire he once did to remain in the game.

“I think it’s very hard because of what they’ve had to go through for it not to drain away some of what the game is about,” Tim Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“It hasn’t been so much about football, it’s been about all the other stuff over that period of time.

“I think it’s very hard to concentrate on the game and appreciate the game like you normally would.”

Watson has also warned they shouldn’t expect good news on Jobe to naturally follow through now that Hurley has re-signed.

“I don’t think it’s ever been a matter or not of how many players recommit to the club,” he said.

Nor does he believe the impending appeal by the banned players in a Swiss Supreme Court against their suspension will impact on his decision.

“I don’t think it will,” Watson said.

“That’s my gut feel but I’ve never asked him that question.

“I think it’s a bigger question thing. It’s a whole sum of what he wants to do.”

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell said on Thursday he expected Watson to make a call in his future within the next month.

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