Jobe Watson has returned to Essendon headquarters for day one of pre-season training.

Watson arrived just before 8am, and appeared eager to get back to work as he entered the Club.

"It's exciting, it's been 10 months, so looking forward to getting back into and starting again," Watson said.

The 31-year-old is yet to indicate whether he plans to attend next week's AFL Commission meeting to discuss his 2012 Brownlow Medal.

Another question is the captaincy.

It was a role Watson held for six years, while Brendon Goddard took the reins last season.  

But Dyson Heppell, also returning to training from suspension on Monday, is considered a strong contender for the role for 2017.

"That'll take its due course," Heppell told reporters. 

"I don't think a decision will be made until next year.             

"Obviously plenty of great candidates there, whether or not Jobe still wants to do it, BJ (Goddard) did a fantastic job last year, plenty of young leaders coming up as well."

The return of an experienced crop of players has some commentators predicting Essendon could surge back up the ladder next season.

However Heppell says they have to "keep a lid" on what could happen next year, John Worsfold's second season as coach. 

"(It's) great to get back around the club, and catch up with all the boys again, awesome," Heppell said.

"I think we've prepared ourselves really well, we've put in an elite program this year, and our bodies are in good shape to attack the pre-season."