ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson has returned to Melbourne after months in the United States but says he is yet to decide if he will rekindle his football career.
 
The 2012 Brownlow medallist has spent much of his season-long ban for anti-doping breaches in New York, but arrived back in Australia on Thursday morning.
 
He is the final member of Essendon's banned dozen players not to confirm his intentions for 2017, after defender Tayte Pears announced his retirement this week.
 
Nine of the other suspended players have committed to returning to Essendon, while Michael Hibberd has requested a trade. Watson said he was still unclear on whether he would resume his AFL career.
 
"I'm not really sure. I just haven't really had a chance to talk to a lot of people so I'm just getting back and seeing everyone, and then I'll see how I feel," Watson told reporters on Friday.
 
"I'm just really happy to be home, and see the family, and see the dog."

Essendon coach John Worsfold this week reiterated his hope that Watson will return to the Bombers.

"I've said before I'd love to see him play on. We know he has a passion for the game, but that has been challenged," Worsfold said.

"I would love Jobe, when he finishes his playing career, whether that is now or whether that's in a year or two years' time, to remember how much he loves the game."

Watson's teammate Michael Hurley also this week said he was putting no pressure on Watson to come back to Essendon.

"He's copped the brunt of this, and I really feel for him. He's a sensational captain, he's a great friend, he's just a wonderful family person," Hurley told Channel Nine.
 
"He had to wear a lot of things he shouldn't have had to deal with, and I just want Jobe to be happy.
 
"He looked worn out at times and he looked run-down and I just hope he can be reinvigorated with his life and just have some fun and do whatever Jobe wants to do."

A decision on whether Watson will keep the Brownlow he won in the year of Essendon's supplements program will not be made until after a verdict is announced in the players' appeal of their 12-month bans.