It is the second time Watson has won the award after also being named the Club’s best and fairest player in 2009.
Watson finished the count with 291 votes, ahead of second-placed Heath Hocking on 241, and third-placed Jason Winderlich on 231.
The 25-year-old’s best performance came in Round 17 when he collected 38 possessions, laid three tackles and kicked two goals in the Bombers’ win over North Melbourne.
Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the award is fitting recognition for Watson’s consistent performances this season.
“Jobe has had an outstanding year, particularly when you consider it is his first year as captain of the club. He has taken on the extra responsibilities and been able to perform to the highest level,” Hamilton said.
“He has put in an outstanding effort this season where he has inspired many people around him and he has played consistent football over the course of the whole year.
“Jobe wanted to lead from the front, particularly when games were getting tough. There were times this season when his body was sore but he wanted to be out there in the trenches with his teammates and I think everyone admired him for that.”
The award caps off an impressive individual season for Watson who finished equal 7th in the AFL Brownlow medal this season with 16 votes.
The 190cm midfielder was taken under the father-son rule with selection 40 in the 2002 National AFL Draft. Since debuting in 2003, Watson has played 115 games and has kicked 44 goals.
Crichton Top 10:
Jobe Watson 291
Heath Hocking 241
Jason Winderlich 231
Dustin Fletcher 225
Brent Stanton 167
Nathan Lovett-Murray 164
Mark McVeigh 156
Ben Howlett 154
Alwyn Davey 144
Angus Monfries 143
Other award winners:
Best Clubman award – Heath Hocking
Matthew Lloyd Senior Leading Goal Kicking award – Angus Monfries
Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star award – Ben Howlett
Most Improved Player award – David Zaharakis
Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player award – Tayte Pears
Striving for Excellence award – Angus Monfries
Bill Hutchison award – Nathan Lovett-Murray
