News

It has been an enjoyable pre-season: Watson

Friday, 13 January 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

There is a certain satisfaction in seeing things unfold before you. In so much, at least in Essendon's case over summer, it makes sense why captain Jobe Watson describes this pre-season as "enjoyable."

The 26-year-old can see a general improvement in his club's attitude on the track, and a specific development in a number of players. He too, despite being Essendon's best player and one of the most damaging midfielders in the game, feels like he has got better. It bodes well.

The evolution of the Bombers under James Hird started more than a year ago, and recently Hird showed his captain – and former teammate – evidence the players had got better. Watson was impressed by what he saw.

"Hirdy' showed me some footage of the way we were training 12 months ago to now and, compared to what we were, there's been a lot of improvement from the guys and hopefully that translates to the way we want to play," Watson said on Friday.

Click here to watch Watson's press conference from this morning.

The next phase of Essendon's development appears to be having better understanding what the coaches want. Last year, in rising from 14^th to eighth on the ladder, they followed plans most of the time. There will be less straying in 2012.

"The program's flowed really well, the guys have been really forthright in the way they want to train, there's been a lot of communication between the playing group and the players," Watson said.

"It's always a tough time of the year, but it's nice when there's that mental stimulation and I think the program's allowed us to have that."

As well as pointing out the size increases in his teammates – Jake Melksham, Dyson Heppell and Travis Colyer are noticeably stronger in the upper body – Watson himself has been working on getting faster.

He doesn't need speed to perform – he always seems a step ahead of the game and rarely gets caught – but it has been a focus to increase his pace at the stoppages, even if he laughed off the level of improvement.

"You'll see me bursting through packs this year, don't worry about that," he said with a smile.

There are other factors behind Watson's enthusiasm. As he spoke, Michael Hurley was out on Victoria Park eager to step up his training output after a hamstring niggle.

Courtenay Dempsey, sporting a thick black beard, and Jason Winderlich are on track to re-join full training soon after recovering from knee reconstructions.

Draftees Elliott Kavanagh and Nick O'Brien have shown enough to be in contention for a NAB Cup debut, and so have a couple of the club's rookie recruits.

But still Watson is careful not to get too excited. There's no expectations, apart from maybe one. "We're just hoping to be better than what we were," he said.

Click here to watch Watson's press conference from this morning.

Click here to check out all the post-Christmas Bomber Shop specials today. Don't miss out on the latest 2012 adidas traning range.

PLAYER PROFILE: Jobe Watson

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Looking at that photo, Jobe and David Hille look almost spent. I like the thought, though, that they are pushing themselves to the max and setting an example for the younger players to follow.

- Wesley Hull (posted 13/01/2012 12:10:04 PM)

Jobe is right not to get too excited, because if he was, some of our fans would be demanding a premiership this year, but things are looking good for us to improve on last year, and I find it interesting that he has improved his pace at the age of 26.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 13/01/2012 12:11:03 PM)

The Club Captain has spoken. Bring on 2012!

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 13/01/2012 12:16:07 PM)

all we need to do this Year win More games 11 win 10 loses last season need to finished about above the top 4 or 5 to have a home Final if we make it

- MARK JONES (posted 13/01/2012 12:16:32 PM)

Jobe, I like your focus, to keep on improving from where you guys were last year. It's a tough game, mentally, & physically.Players need to adapt to the challenges put forward at any time during the 100 mins of excellence required each week, to stand proud as one.Go Mighty Bombers

- Graeme Coad (posted 13/01/2012 12:17:38 PM)

I'd be surprised if Elliott and Nick didn't play pre-season footy. Intra-club games are not far away and they usually indicate how the new guys are travelling.

- Rob Carew (posted 13/01/2012 1:26:13 PM)

If we can play half as well as Jobe has grown that beard, we'll win a premiership.

- Alex Cragg (posted 13/01/2012 2:31:32 PM)

Improvement is all that we as supporters seek even if it just a couple of steps up the ladder though I have a gut feeling we will do better than that this year.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 13/01/2012 10:42:22 PM)

OMG, it's John Waters!! We must be in a 'Rush' to get that flag!

- Kris Bayne (posted 13/01/2012 11:48:23 PM)

Jobe the Yeti has nothing on you, fine growth you have there. Hopefully Kavanagh & O'Brien will come to Perth, would love the opportunity to see them play. Only 4 weeks till Essendon comes to town. Can't wait.

- Gail Taylor (posted 14/01/2012 11:08:44 AM)

this is out of subject but jobe has a lookalike in melbourne stars recruit luke wright,check him out

- Shane Briggs (posted 16/01/2012 11:31:48 AM)