There's no debate at Essendon - Jobe Watson is a part of their best AFL side.
But there's plenty of competition for other roles in the Bombers team as they look to regain control of their finals destiny.
A win over lowly ranked North Melbourne on Saturday would send Essendon back into the top eight - at least temporarily - for the first time in a month.
Coach John Worsfold declared the inspirational former club captain would be back this weekend as one of at least two changes to his team.
Watson, 32, has played in 14 of the club's 16 games this year after 18 months out of football through injury and suspension.
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Worsfold said he was surprised to hear conjecture over Watson's place in his side.
"I haven't heard that debate. It hasn't been debated at our match committee. He's an outstanding performer," he said on Wednesday.
"I think our best team has him in it for sure ... he'll be straight in."
On Tuesday, Watson said he would wait until season's end before deciding his future at the club - a process Worsfold endorsed.
"I don't think he needs to make a decision the day after the last game," he said.
"I'd like him to reflect really clearly on what he got out of the year and how his body feels and what he can potentially add to us next year.
"While he's doing that, us as a list management will be having a look at where we're heading and we can make that call."
For Saturday's game, Worsfold admitted to a dilemma as to who to pick to replace injured small forward Josh Green.
Josh Begley has been close for weeks.
Jayden Laverde could play his first game in 2017 after kicking nine goals in the VFL in the last fortnight.
Ben Howlett, Kyle Langford and Aaron Francis are also close.
"There's about eight of them banging on my door at the moment," Worsfold laughed.
