Cashed up & yearning a flag
Brendon Goddard
2012 Games: 22 2012 Average: 101 2013 Club: Essendon
In what will be probably the biggest trade news of the new Free Agency era this year, utility Brendan GODDARD has finally ended all the speculation that was spinning around him in 2012 and been traded to the Essendon Football Club for 2013 and beyond.
After 200 games and recent Life Membership with the Saints, GODDARD was offered a four-year contract worth in excess of three- million dollars by the Bombers – an amount the Saints were unable (or unwilling) to match. Ironically GODDARD left on an overseas holiday today, which includes being a grooms-man at Nick RIEWOLDT’s wedding in the United States. Won’t that be interesting?
So, what effect will this have on him in SC terms? Firstly, let’s look at his stats which, on them alone, give rise to some concern. His averages are as follows - 2009 (115), 2010 (130), 2011 (108) and 2012 (101). There is no doubt the previously first-picked defender has dropped off since his stellar 2010 year, in conjunction with the Saints generally not performing at the same level. In 2012 at times he looked slow, angry and even disinterested. Will that attitude change at a new club, or is his best behind him?
No spring chicken (he turns 28 a month into the 2013 season), GODDARD will be a fascinating case study to watch in 2013. It’s no secret he left for the money and perceived Premiership chances at Essendon, but considering they finished 10th this year, things will need to change pretty quickly – and we know they can. If they do, and if GODDARD gets his fitness and head right, he could be just the puzzle-piece the Bombers need for the ultimate success.
2012 Games: 22 2012 Average: 101 2013 Club: Essendon
In what will be probably the biggest trade news of the new Free Agency era this year, utility Brendan GODDARD has finally ended all the speculation that was spinning around him in 2012 and been traded to the Essendon Football Club for 2013 and beyond.
After 200 games and recent Life Membership with the Saints, GODDARD was offered a four-year contract worth in excess of three- million dollars by the Bombers – an amount the Saints were unable (or unwilling) to match. Ironically GODDARD left on an overseas holiday today, which includes being a grooms-man at Nick RIEWOLDT’s wedding in the United States. Won’t that be interesting?
So, what effect will this have on him in SC terms? Firstly, let’s look at his stats which, on them alone, give rise to some concern. His averages are as follows - 2009 (115), 2010 (130), 2011 (108) and 2012 (101). There is no doubt the previously first-picked defender has dropped off since his stellar 2010 year, in conjunction with the Saints generally not performing at the same level. In 2012 at times he looked slow, angry and even disinterested. Will that attitude change at a new club, or is his best behind him?
No spring chicken (he turns 28 a month into the 2013 season), GODDARD will be a fascinating case study to watch in 2013. It’s no secret he left for the money and perceived Premiership chances at Essendon, but considering they finished 10th this year, things will need to change pretty quickly – and we know they can. If they do, and if GODDARD gets his fitness and head right, he could be just the puzzle-piece the Bombers need for the ultimate success.