Essendon captain Jobe Watson has signed a three-year contract extension, further cementing his family's rich history with the AFL club.

It will keep the 25-year-old at the Bombers until the end of the 2013 season.

Watson is in his first season as Essendon captain and last year won the club best and fairest award.

His father, Tim, is one of Essendon's greatest players and also captained the club, as well as playing in three premiership sides.

The new deal virtually guarantees that Watson will be a one-club player and he hopes the Bombers can become premiership contenders over the next three years.

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