Essendon Football Club will celebrate the incredible career of Jobe Watson after the veteran decided to retire at the completion of the 2017 season.

In front of his teammates this morning, Jobe spoke openly about why this season would be his last.

“The Club has been a huge part of my life, it’s been really important to my family, and it has meant a lot to me,” Watson said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, I’ve made many great friends through my time here and there’s a lot of people at the Club who I’ve known since I was born.

“I’m at the stage now where I really enjoy being here, and being part of this group, but I know it is time for me to move on.

“I’m really proud of the way I’ve been able to lead this playing group. I wanted to leave the Club in a better place than when I found it, and I believe the Club is in a position now where the playing group has the ability to achieve the success we all want.

“I’ll be cheering on in future years, but wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Club, the players, coaches and staff. I also want to thank the members and supporters who have been incredible during my time, and stood alongside us through all the ups and downs.

“I’m really proud about where the Club is going, I’ll still be competing hard until the end of the season and I’m excited about what this group is capable of this year and beyond.”

Watson arrived at Essendon a son of a gun, but finishes his career very much a favourite son, having forged his own standing and reputation in the game.

More than 200 games in the red and black, Captain (2010 – 2016), dual All-Australian and triple Crichton Medallist are just a few of his career achievements.

But it has been his inspiring leadership through adversity, which not only galvanised the playing group but the entire Club, that will see him remembered as one of the great people of Essendon.

CEO, Xavier Campbell, said Jobe’s impact on the Club has been enormous.

“The legacy Jobe Watson will leave with the Essendon Football Club is significant,” Campbell said.

“As a footballer he was breathtaking. As a role model he has been outstanding.

“Jobe has been an incredible leader for our players, and will be remembered as a great of the competition, and an absolute champion of the Essendon Football Club.

“His legacy is the strong culture he has driven at our Club. Through his selfless leadership he has helped build a culture which ensured our young players flourished, and places them in a position to achieve the ultimate success into the future.

“The Club owes Jobe an enormous debt, not only has he inspired a generation of young fans to follow the red and black, he successfully led the Club through the most challenging of circumstances. And he has done it with enormous grace and an incredibly selfless approach.

“We are sad this season will be Jobe’s last, but after all he has done for our Club the Essendon family now has the chance to say thanks, starting with Adelaide this weekend.”

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Jobe will go down as one of the greats of the game.

“Jobe is the ultimate competitor on the field who has played at an elite level throughout his career. He had to work extremely hard and make some strong commitments early in his career to become the Essendon champion he did,” Watson said.

“Moreso, Jobe is just a wonderful, authentic and caring person who has quickly become someone I admire and respect for his values along with his drive and talent. Jobe has served the Club with great passion and humility through my short time working with him.

“I arrived at Essendon aware of Jobe’s ability to change the course of a game through his hunger and will to win, but what’s been just as impressive is the role he has played in driving the elite culture and holding his teammates to the high standards we expect of one another.

“Jobe will be remembered as a great player of the Essendon Football Club, but I have no doubt the respect he has from the opposition players, coaches, officials and supporters will see him remembered as a great of our game.”

Jobe’s impact on the Club during his 15 year career is unmeasurable, and until the final breath of this year’s campaign is spent, the Essendon family is urged to turn out in force and cheer the champ

Jobe will play game 218 for Essendon against Adelaide on Saturday night.