Brendon Goddard closes on another season at Essendon

BRENDON Goddard’S playing future was “unclear” a few weeks ago but Essendon is open to the veteran playing on next year as the 33-year-old continues his strong form.

Brendon Goddard will discuss his future with Essendon later in the year. Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON is open to Brendon Goddard playing on next year as the 33-year-old continues his strong form.

Goddard wrote in a recent Sunday Herald Sun column his playing future was “unclear”, unaware whether Essendon wanted him to play on.

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But after finishing second in last year’s Crichton Medal, he is averaging 24 possessions a game in another strong season.

Those talks will take place near the end of the year, but Essendon head of football Dan Richardson was optimistic about his future.

Goddard is out of contract along with Tom Bellchambers, Mark Baguley, Josh Green and Shaun McKernan.

The Bombers are optimistic about Brendon Goddard will have a role to play next season. Picture: Getty Images

Bellchambers turns 29 in July and is certain to be contracted given strong form despite his free agency status.

“We are very open minded. Tom has been terrific and is clearly our number one ruckman,’’ Richardson said.

“With BJ in any young team it’s important that you have enough experience around them.

“So we are certainly very open-minded about the role that Brendon can continue to play beyond this year.”

The Bombers continue to proceed cautiously with spearhead Joe Daniher, who is making slow progress with his osteitis pubis.

Coach John Worsfold said that “he’s a long way off being back playing”, given his issues.

If Essendon falls from finals contention there is a real prospect he won’t play this year.

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Originally published as Brendon Goddard closes on another season at Essendon