Essendon Football Club is thrilled Jobe Watson is #BackIn for season 2017.

Watson met with John Worsfold earlier in the week and informed Club officials of his decision to play on last night.

The 31 year-old said his time overseas was mentally and physically refreshing.

"I’m really happy and content with the decision that I’ve made," Watson said.

“Xavier Campbell and the Club have done an excellent job in handling this, and they’ve let every player come to their decision on their own.

“Being able to speak with John, I believe in where he is going and where he is taking the Club and I’m excited to be coached by him and be part of the playing group.

“I did a lot of training while I was over there (in the US), and I prepared myself to come back to play at highest level possible. I’d like to thank the fans for their support, and I'm really excited about playing for the Essendon Football Club.”

After escaping the AFL bubble to make lattés in New York and hike through Norway, Watson returned home to Melbourne to make his decision.

Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Campbell, said it was great to see Jobe happy and excited about resuming his career.

"Everyone in the Essendon family is thrilled to see Jobe come back for season 2017," Campbell said.

"Jobe has had to carry a significant burden over the past four years, and we felt it extremely important we give him the time he needed to come to this decision.

"Jobe has great drive and ambition and to ahve him come back to the football Club, the value he adds both on the field and off the field is really important for us."

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said he was looking forward to working alongside Jobe again this season.

"We only got to spend a short time together over last summer, so I'm really pleased we get to build on that professional relationship when pre-season resumes," Worsfold said.

"Jobe is an exceptional player and leader of our Club. He is invested in our direction and vision, and was really pleased with the progress we have made as a team this season.

"He feels reinvigorated and refreshed, which is great, because come November this group is going to have to work even harder and continue to demand elite standards of each other if we want to challenge the best sides in the competition next season."

Watson can officially train at the Club as of the 22^nd of September, 2016.