ESSENDON midfielder David Zaharakis is waiting for the AFL's new collective bargaining agreement to be finalised before signing a new contract.

The 27-year-old will become a restricted free agent when his deal with the Bombers expires at season's end.

Zaharakis said the unresolved collective bargaining agreement was delaying his contract talks.

"The reason why I haven't signed or anything is more the fact the CBA hasn't been done yet," Zaharakis told Channel Seven on Sunday.

"A lot of players are in the same boat where we're still waiting for that to be finalised, and you still don't know what all that (means) in terms of contracts and money and all that stuff for next year."

Zaharakis has played 159 games, including all 12 this season, since making his debut in round two, 2009.

The 180cm ball-winner was quick to pledge his allegiance to the club.

"I'm an Essendon person – I love being at the footy club," Zaharakis said.

"I've been there for nine years now and been an Essendon supporter as a kid."

Coach John Worsfold said on Sunday he would discuss former skipper Jobe Watson's future with him in coming weeks.

Three-time best-and-fairest winner Watson, 32, has averaged 25 possessions a match since returning to action after serving a season-long doping ban last year.

Worsfold told 3AW the talks would be "about really how he's feeling at this point of the year, physically and mentally.

"One of the things I said in October last year was that one of the big aims for us as a club and me as his coach was to see Jobe Watson smiling and enjoying his footy.

"I'm pretty sure that's happening, but I will sit down and make sure that I get that from him directly.

"Once we do that we'll talk a little bit about what his ambition is moving forward."