Injured Essendon captain Jobe Watson says his absence from the team hasn’t impacted the on-field leadership, particularly in the win over Adelaide.

The captain is expected to miss another six to eight weeks as he recovers from surgery to an injured hip tendon.

“I thought the way that the leaders of the group really stood up, in particular BJ, Hepp, Stants and those guys towards the end of the game was a really good example of where they’re at in their leadership,” Watson said.

“We were obviously really disappointed with how the Melbourne game finished.”

“Then I thought the guys came out against Adelaide, played some good footy, then were challenged as you would expect in any game and were able to find a way to win.

“It was really pleasing to get a win.”

It has been more than two weeks since Watson had surgery on a torn hip flexor tendon sustained during the club’s round 11 win over GWS.

“I can sort of start moving around the surgery went well and I can now start the rehab process,” he said.

“I will meet with Julian Feller later this week and he will give me an idea about what I can start doing.

“It will start with probably some bike early next week and then start running hopefully after that.

“But Julian will see the wound and give me the all clear to start getting some mobility through it other than just walking.

If all goes well during the rehabilitation process, Watson is hoping to make a late-season return for the Bombers.