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Watson to call on Bomber greats for advice
<DIV>New Essendon captain Jobe Watson has revealed he will call on past captains James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and his father, Tim, for advice on how to carry out the key leadership role. Speaking to media today the 24-year-old described the position as ""such a big role"" and said the support of his teammates has given him the confidence to accept it.</DIV>
New Essendon captain Jobe Watson has revealed he will call on past captains James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and his father, Tim, for advice on how to carry out the key leadership role.
Speaking to media today the 24-year-old described the position as ""such a big role"" and said the support of his teammates has given him the confidence to accept it.
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""The (leadership) process that we went through helped me,"" Watson said.
""The six guys in the leadership group voted and to be voted in by my peers and teammates and for them to have the confidence that I was ready really helped me. When your peers nominate you for the role you have the confidence you can do it.
""It's not something you aim to do but it's a humbling experience. It's a tremendous honour and you look at some of the people who have gone before you and it's a surreal type feeling.""
Watson said he has had to keep his appointment a secret since last Tuesday.
""I haven't been able to tell anyone - it has been a big secret,"" he said.
""No-one in the family, I haven't been able to tell anyone. Mum and Dad are down at the farm so I might have to give them a call.""
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The veteran of 94 games said he did not feel extra pressure because his dad was a club great and past captain and said he discussed the topic of captaincy with Tim late in 2008.
""He asked me if I thought I was ready at the end of last year and I said I wasn't sure and he gave me his advice on where he thought I needed to improve,"" he said.
""I guess you don't know until you are in the pressure situation but I'd like to think (as captain) I will be able to continue the way I do and try to help the guys around me as much I can.
""We have a talented young listed and to develop those guys and get the best out of them, I think that's the captains role, to get the best out of the players.""
Watson praised Knights for the role he has played in his development and said the coach is building the list and structures to take the team to a premiership.
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