Essendon have secured midfielder Jobe Watson until the end of the 2010 season after announcing the 23 year old has signed a new 2-year contract.
Picked up under the father-son rule with pick 40 in the 2002 National Draft Watson has since played 64 games for the Bombers and is quickly developing into a leader around the club.
Team manager David Calthorpe hopes Watson will play apart in the clubs premiership aspirations.
“We believe he will play a big role in our next premiership tilt,” Calthorpe said.
“This year he was added to our leadership group for the first time which shows how highly he is rated at the club.
“He has the respect of the playing group and many of our younger players really look up to him.”
The news comes after Watson racked up career high stats against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on the weekend with a total of 36 disposals.