JOBE Watson needs to make a decision on his playing future within the next two weeks, Essendon coach John Worsfold says.

Watson returned to Melbourne earlier this month after spending part of his season-long suspension for doping offences working as a barista in New York.

The 2012 Brownlow medallist is the final member of the banned dozen Bombers yet to reveal his intentions for next year, but the deadline is fast approaching.

"Certainly within a fortnight we'd have to know for sure," Worsfold told RSN radio.

"But my guess is that it will be before that. The club has to keep moving and we need to base our decisions on what our list is going to look like.

"Jobe's a wonderful part of our list if he chooses to play on and a big part we've got to replace if he chooses not to."

Watson has met with Essendon officials and spoken with close confidants since his return to Australia.

Worsfold said there was no single sticking point holding up the 31-year-old's decision.

Nine banned Dons – Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Tom Bellchambers, Travis Colyer, Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton, David Myers and Ben Howlett – have signed new deals and returned to training at Tullamarine last week.

Watson has kept himself in top physical shape should he wish to come back to the club.

"Jobe's ready to play on, if he chooses to. He's kept himself in great nick," Worsfold said.

"I've caught up with him, he's in a good space, he had a great time away. He's enjoyed the year for making the most of a bad situation, so he's had some experiences that he wouldn't have otherwise.

"But it's a lot to weigh up for him, he has to be absolutely 100 per cent sure that he's ready for what the game's going to challenge him on in this next period – this next year or two.

"There's various things he's being weighing up, but I think it won't be too long before he's absolutely clear and he'll let us know."

Worsfold didn't discuss the looming call on whether Watson would keep his Brownlow Medal when the pair met, and said who leads the club next season won't be resolved until the New Year.

Brendon Goddard stepped into the breach to replace Watson this year, although Dyson Heppell has been widely tipped to take over as skipper.

For now, Worsfold just wants to see Watson continue his 200-game career with the Bombers and go out on a higher note.

"I think if he chooses to continue his career it would be wonderful for the Essendon supporters and it would be wonderful for the game to see one of our champions back out there and finishing his career strongly," Worsfold said.

"I'd love to see him in a midfield now that will have Zach Merrett alongside him a lot more, Darcy Parish getting it moving alongside him and Dyson Heppell.

"It would be exciting."