Bombers take their time with AFL captaincy
Jan 31, 2017 - 1:38 AM Essendon are edging closer to selecting their captain for the 2017 AFL season, but Jobe Watson's leadership intentions remain unclear.Watson and heir-apparent Dyson Heppell sat either side of coach John Worsfold for the team photo on Tuesday - seats traditionally reserved for the captain and vice-captain.
Bombers midfielder David Zaharakis told reporters he would be more than happy for Watson to pick up the job he vacated while he served a doping ban last year, but added there was nothing to be read into at Tuesday's photo shoot.
"I actually don't know who organised those seats," a smiling Zaharakis said from the club's Tullamarine headquarters.
"All the seats were put down with pieces of paper (on them) and everyone just sat in those spots.
"I don't think there's anything to read into that.
"(The captaincy) is really up to him. He's been enthusiastic about his training and enjoying his footy. He's really embraced being back at the footy club but you'd have to ask him if he wants to be (skipper)."
Brendon Goddard, who filled the role in Watson's absence, is the other leading candidate for the job, with the club to make an official announcement in the next fortnight.
Zaharakis, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is facing a big decision of his own with the 26-year-old set to become a free agent.
"To be honest (free agency) hasn't really come into my head," he said.
"Exploring the market is something that some players do ... but I'm very happy being at Essendon Football Club.
"It doesn't really bother me whether (a new contract) happens earlier or later in the season ... I want to stay here and be an Essendon footy club player."
Source: AAP
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