Essendon captain Jobe Watson is hoping to be back running in the next week after surgery to repair a broken collarbone on Monday.

Watson said the nature of the injury allowed him return to running on a modified program before building up to taking part in contact training.

“The pain isn’t too bad so I just have to rest up a little bit over the next couple of days,” Watson told The Hangar.

“It is mainly a contact type injury so I will be able to start running and training next week and then I will go and see the surgeon next Monday, get the stitches out and the all clear from him.”

“Once the stitches come out then I can start training again and it is then really the last part which is the contact part but I should be able to train for two or three weeks before that.”

The reigning Brownlow Medallist is confident the club’s leadership group will be able to step up and fill the void he leaves.

“I think just with one person out it doesn’t mean it will change anyone’s role,” he said.

“With the leadership group that we have got there’s a lot of guys that have stepped up already this year.”

“I feel as if the guys are really well organised and they know what is required and they will drive the group.”

Coach James Hird said he was excited about the opportunity that presents itself to others at the club in filling the hole left by Watson’s absence.

“I think it is a huge blow without your captain but it also gives players some opportunity and we haven’t had much opportunity this year with our terrific injury list,” Hird said.

“We will require now some younger guys to come into the team, give some opportunities to guys who have been playing reserves and I think that is what you need in a team.”

“You need guys to see where there opportunities are and work towards that so as disappointed as we are at losing Jobe it is exciting from another point of view.”