Essendon Captain Jobe Watson says he still considers himself fortunate despite the scrutiny he and his teammates have endured in recent seasons.

Watson is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in July.

He has led the Bombers through three seasons where off-field attention has often over-shadowed on-field performances.

“During the year and over the last three years there have been ebbs and flows,” Watson told 3aw yesterday.

“When it comes down to it, I’m living the dream I had as a kid.

“For anyone to say that, you’re in a pretty fortunate position.

“Sometimes you can get caught up in the negativity and the things that aren't working for you, but sometimes you’ve got to check yourself and say what are the good things in my life and I should be thankful for them.”

Watson has captained the Bombers since 2010 and said he will ensure he has the drive to fulfill the role before putting his hand up to do it again. 

“I’d love to do it, but I want to make sure that I can do it to the level that I know is required. 

“I won’t do it if I don’t feel like I can do that.

“I still have a passion to do the job, I still think I’m the best person for the job but I know what the job requires.

“It requires you to immerse yourself in it, it takes everything out of you.

“Unless you’re prepared mentally and physically for that I don’t think you should take the job on.”

Watson and his teammates will play under a new Coach next season. 

The Club has embarked on the selection process and hopes to have the candidate in place by early next month. 

“Whether it’s someone who has had experience in a senior coaching role or not, what we need is a leadership group and playing group committed to playing and training,” Watson said. 

“I don’t see it as being an entire rebuild. 

“I think the base is there, the group is there – I just feel like we probably need some clear air, an opportunity to have football as the number one focus for us and to be held accountable for our play."