Essendon captain Jobe Watson is confident the club’s playing group is fully focused on Friday night’s blockbuster against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

Watson confirmed the leadership group had discussed the events of the past week with the Club.

“The leadership group met, as we do every week and it was the first opportunity to discuss what had happened late last week,” he said.

“We had a discussion which was pretty honest and forthright.”

“The consensus we came to was that we have done an enormous amount of work to get ready for the 2014 season, we are really excited about what we can do in 2014 and that is our sole focus.”

“That should be the sole focus of the whole football club and that is how the club felt.”

The Bombers captain said it was important for everyone involved with the club to be heading in the same direction.

“Nothing has really changed for the players in terms of us being very excited about this year and having Bomber as our coach and then Hirdy in 2015-16.”

“For the players, we dealt with 2013 and we are very much aware there is no closure yet with the ASADA investigation.”

“From the playing group, our supporter group and the club we want to have 2014 as a fresh start and for football to be the sole focus for the entire club.”

Essendon’s clash against Hawthorn kicks off at 7.50pm on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.