The AFL today acknowledged the decision made by Essendon’s Jobe Watson to hand back the Brownlow Medal, which he was awarded for the 2012 season.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said:

“The AFL acknowledges that this was an extremely difficult decision to make.

“In Jobe’s own words, he is honouring the history of the medal and putting the interests of the game first, and this is an honourable position for him to have taken,” Mr. McLachlan said.

Mr McLachlan said the AFL Commission would hold its regular scheduled meeting in Melbourne next Tuesday November 15 and will consider Jobe’s statement and formally rule on the future of the 2012 Brownlow Medal.

The AFL has no further comment before Tuesday’s meeting.