Former Essendon captain Jobe Watson has returned to his roots, taking a job as the coach of Xavier College's First XVIII footy team for the 2023 season.
Watson was formerly a Xavier student and was also the school’s vice-captain. The Bombers champion played 220 AFL games and is noted as one of the league’s best midfielders of the 21st century.
The now 37-year-old retired in 2017 after the Essendon drugs saga overshadowed his final AFL years, with Watson suspended for the 2016 season. The Xavier job is the highest-profile football job he’s taken since retiring, although Watson does work for Channel 7 as an expert commentator.
In a statement posted to the school’s Facebook page, Xavier College - who feature in the Assosciated Public Schools of Victoria (APS) competition - said: “We are delighted to announce that Jobe Watson (OX 2002) has been appointed to the role of Head Coach of the Xavier 1st XVIII Football team.
“Jobe has had a long and distinguished career in the AFL playing over 220 games for Essendon Football Club, captaining the club from 2010-2016.
“Following his AFL playing career, Jobe has held positions within the AFL media and has built a number of successful businesses abroad.
“Jobe is extremely excited to be taking on the role at Xavier College and is looking forward to working with our Head of Football Dale Amos to grow and evolve the football program.”
Xavier finished third in the APS competition in 2022, with the premiership shard between Brighton Grammar and Caufield Grammar.