Jobe Watson will be a ""refreshing"" captain whose strongest assests are his loyalty and support to both the playing group and coaches according to Matthew Knights.
""Jobe will be a surprising captain in that he will handle the off-field really well. It is going to be pretty natural for him to represent the club with sponsors and media circles, he will be fantastic,"" Knights said.
""The football side of it, because he elevated his game last season and has the last two years, will be a bit easier for him than it would have been two years ago. He is moving into the elite bracket as a player, his stoppages are outstanding and right up there in the top four or five in the competiton.""
Knights told Bomber.tv he would have been happy with any of the six-man leadership group being selected as captain and vice-captain.
""As a coach I feel proud of that (leadership decision) because it's very much a player choice now to represent the Essendon Football Club team,"" he said.
""We think the way we have done it is great for us and where we are at as a club. We need our players more empowered and to be more like coaches.
""You don't get put into these leadership roles unless you have done the hard yards.""
Knights has told the playing list to be responsible, use their common sense and work hard on their training programs during the two-week Christmas break.
""We need them coming back in great shape on January 4. It was a simple message,"" he said
Meanwhile, Essendon's membership tally has hit 24,727 so the club is within reach of it's goal of 25,000 by the 25th December.
Make sure you sign-up today and get you family and friends to sign-up too for what will be a very exciting 2010 season for Essendon.
Watch the 2010 membership video clip by clicking here or become a member by clicking here (and receive a $20 Bomber Shop e-voucher and go into the running for a Caltex Vortex Premium Fuels voucher valued at $2,500).
You can also call the club on 1300 GO BOMBERS to purchase a 2010 membership.
