GODDARD, Brendon

Brendon Goddard was raised in Traralgon and was selected by St Kilda with the first pick in the 2002 National Draft. On 1 October 2012, Goddard signed with Essendon and became the first big name to use the AFL's new free-agency period which debuted in 2012.

He had a great career with St. Kilda, playing 205 games and kicking 104 goals between 2003-2012. He was an All-Australian in 2009 and 2010.

He joined Essendon with aspirations of winning a premiership, but found himself walking into one of the biggest controversies in Australian sporting history when 34 players were suspended in 2016. Goddard took on the responsibility of being a leader and speaking to the media where his new teammates were not allowed to speak.

Goddard's first season at Essendon was capped off when he won the the Club's Best and Fairest award. He played every game for the season, mainly through the midfield, averaging 26 disposals and kicking 18 goals, his best season tally since 2010. His leadership continued to be valued on and off the field and his maturity and experience in big games proved invaluable to the young list.

In 2014, Goddard once again maintained his form on the field, whilst again being a voice for his teammates in the media. He finished third in the Club's Best and Fairest award.

In January 2016, he was named as Essendon's captain, replacing the suspended Jobe Watson. It was difficult year for the Club but he again provided great leadership and support to the playing group throughout the year on and off the field where he continued to very capably represent the Club in the media.

Goddard's continued consistency at Essendon in 2017 saw him named runner-up in the Best and Fairest, the fifth time in five years he had finished in the top five. His versatility also allowed him to be used in the backline and all over the ground when required and he reached a games-based trigger clause to play on into 2018, his 16th AFL season.

He had shown remarkable resilience and consistency at Essendon, missing only 10 games in his six seasons.

In August 2018, Essendon opted not to offer Goddard a contract for the 2019 season, however, at the AGM late in 2018, Goddard was awarded life membership of the Essendon FC recognising his outstanding service to the Club both on and off the field over his six seasons with the Club. He was awarded AFL Life membership in 2015.