Essendon Coach John Worsfold says his returning players are well aware of the challenges that will confront them next season. 

Last week Jobe Watson became the tenth player to signal his intention to play on with the Bombers in 2017. 

They will re-join a team coming off a three-win season, but looking to build on the development it gained this year.

But Worsfold said the group shouldn't expect any favours from the rest of the competition.

“No one is going to roll out the red carpet for him (Watson) when he runs out next year,” Worsfold told RSN.

“It’s going to be on.

“It’s going to be tough for all of those guys coming back, they’re all looking forward to it but we’re going to have to fight for everything we want to get next year.”

Worsfold said it’s clear Watson is in the right frame of mind to tackle the natural obstacles that emerge during an AFL season.

“I could see why he wanted to talk to all of the key stakeholders in terms of who he was going to be working with, what his decision was going to mean to him (and) to be absolutely clear of the challenges he’ll face,” Worsfold said.

“I’m rapt that Jobe is now very comfortable and settled in himself that he’s clear in what he wants to do because it was a big decision.

“To hear that he’s still got the passion to represent the Essendon Football Club and to help us with what we want to do over the next few years is great.”

Watson had been appointed Captain of the Club for a seventh straight year leading into the 2016 season.

When he was ruled out, Brendon Goddard was given the nod. 

Worsfold doesn’t expect any announcement of the leadership positions to be made until the new year.

“We will enjoy our intense pre-season and when we get to mid to late January we will go through a process,” he said. 

“We’ll give everyone the chance to give us their view on how they see the group going, what sort of leadership they think we’ll be looking for next season and who offers the best in that regard.”