Matthew Knights flanks Jobe Watson at a press conference for the 2009 Toyota AFL Finals Series

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ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights has welcomed the appointment of Jobe Watson as captain, but said he would have been happy for any of the six players in the leadership group to take on the role.

Watson was chosen from a shortlist that included ruckman David Hille, veteran defender Dustin Fletcher and midfielders Andrew Welsh, Brent Stanton and Mark McVeigh.

Welsh was named his vice-captain.

Up until the leadership group made its final decision, Knights, general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton, chief executive Ian Robson, president-elect David Evans and former captain and current assistant coach Gary O'Donnell were also involved in the process.

Watson was told of his appointment at the club's pre-season camp in Coffs Harbour last week, ahead of Monday's formal announcement.

"As a coach I feel proud of that (the decision to appoint Watson) because it's very much a player choice now to represent the Essendon Football Club team," Knights told Essendon's website.

"We think the way we have done it is great for us and where we are at as a club. We need our players more empowered and to be more like coaches.

"You don't get put into these leadership roles unless you have done the hard yards."

Knights acknowledged Watson's turnaround in two seasons: from being dropped from the side at the end of 2007, to rediscovering form in 2008 and winning the best and fairest award this year.

He expected the 24-year-old to cope with the pressure of the captaincy.

"Jobe will be a surprising captain in that he will handle the off-field really well," Knight said. "It is going to be pretty natural for him to represent the club with sponsors and media circles. He will be fantastic.

"The football side of it, because he elevated his game last season and has the last two years, will be a bit easier for him than it would have been two years ago.

"He is moving into the elite bracket as a player [while] his stoppages are outstanding and right up there in the top four or five in the competition."