Brendon Goddard makes his AFL retirement official

Mick Stirling

Brendon Goddard makes his AFL retirement official image

Despite wanting to continue his AFL career, Brendon Goddard has resigned himself to the fact no clubs felt the same way and has officially announced his retirement as a player.

Goddard was told before the end of the season he would be let go by Essendon, sparking an active attempt by the 33-year-old to find another home, but the trade and draft periods passed by with no offers made.

The 2002 number-one draft pick threw a retirement party this week and announced on social media that he is leaving the game.

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“Last night I was fortunate to celebrate my retirement,” Goddard posted on Instagram.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life with my extraordinary wife (Rosie) and our 2 little angels.”

Goddard was an often polarising figure through his 334 games at St Kilda (2003-2012, 205 matches) and Essendon (2013-2018, 129 matches).

View this post on Instagram

I feel very privileged and honoured to have played at two great football clubs in @essendonfc and @stkildafc Last night I was fortunate enough to celebrate my retirement @Cathedrallodge , a very special place for me and my family, with a group of footy people (now lifelong friends) who have supported me along the way. Thanks to @davidevans___ @sonnyrevans @au_tla and @essendonfc for organising it and allowing me to recognise and thank you all for the friendship and support you’ve given Rosie, Billie, Mackenzie and I. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life with my extraordinary wife @rosielgoddard and our 2 little angels! And a big thank you to Mum, Dad, Michelle, Beau, Laura and Claire for their continued love and support during this journey.....Also my extended family and close friends, you all know who you are Much love x

A post shared by •E.F.C• ⚫️🔴 (@brendon_goddard) on

He was handed the Essendon captaincy in 2016 with most of the list missing due to the bans handed down over the supplements scandal.

The ultimate glory of a premiership win was so close in 2010 when the Saints drew the first Grand Final, before losing the rematch to Collingwood. 

Goddard’s personal performance in both games was outstanding and he took one of the great pressure marks that would surely be part of football folklore if St Kilda had have saluted.

Unfortunately there was another side to his personality that had a tendancy to rub people the wrong way at times.


 

Mick Stirling