Gold Coast could do worse than pick Brendon Goddard at No.80 in national draft, writes Mark Robinson

GOLD Coast has pick No.80 in the AFL draft and will use it on a delisted free agent. They should use it on Brendon Goddard, writes MARK ROBINSON.

Brendon Goddard will soon learn his options for 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

GOLD Coast has pick No.80 in the AFL draft and will use it on a delisted free agent.

They should use it on Brendon Goddard.

Goddard, 33, would cost the Suns between $300,000 and $400,000, part of which could be offset if they apply to the AFL to pay Goddard in an ­ambassadorial role.

Goddard could be used as a player foremost and as a prominent spokesman for a team short on leadership and maturity and absolutely short on national identity.

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What is the Suns’ story in 2019? They haven’t told us ­exactly but it won’t be pretty.

Just as Goddard was the media figurehead through the hellish years at Essendon, including the 2016 season when he was captain, the Suns could use a wise head when, as expected, they endure a 2019 season of defeat upon defeat.

Here, Goddard’s experience could be valuable. After four consecutive 60-point losses, does the club put up Ben Ainsworth or David Swallow or Touk Miller to try to explain the situation and environment or do they put up Goddard, who has the experience to ride the rough seas?

Through those torrid years at the Bombers, Goddard’s role was viewed as critical.

During 2016, when the team won three games and lost 19 and it could have been viewed as a wasted year, Goddard worked closely with the emerging leaders such as Zac Merrett and Joe Daniher, ­offering energy and purpose.

The Bombers say the veteran, while chastised externally, was loved internally.

It’s a minor consideration for any other club if they were considering Goddard but for the Suns, whose biggest story this season was whether Tom Lynch and Steven May were leaving, Goddard is a recognisable name at least.

Brendon Goddard has the wisdom that could aid the Suns. Picture: Michael Klein

Daniel Menzel is another recognisable player but it’s ­unlikely the Suns will go there.

Of course, it would be Godard’s football ability and knowledge which will secure him another contact.

He is a durable player — he has played 20-plus games in the past 11 seasons — but commentators highlighted late this season that he appeared to be a step off the pace playing his usual quarterback role.

Goddard believes he could play for another two seasons. Those same commentators ­believe he can’t play another two games.

Plus, clubs would be wary of his demonstrative on-field behaviour. It remains a talking point with Goddard.

But assurances — and the awareness — that he would be playing with 18-21-year-olds and not 22-27-year-olds who should understand game plans and fundamentals, could make Goddard the ideal teacher.

The Suns initially said they would not be interested in Goddard but there’s a school of thought that stance could change.

Goddard would add experience to the Suns’ list. Picture: Michael Klein

Clearly, they are thin on ­experience.

Goddard will learn more about his future on Friday.

He and his manager Craig Kelly are driving to Cathedral Lodge to play golf, where Goddard will be told of the options in front of him.

He returned this week from a 25-day holiday to Bali, Portugal and the Maldives with his family and is yet to decide if he wants to play next year.

A phone call from the Suns could change all that.

A phone call from AFL boss Gillon McLachlan, who is aware of the challenges at the struggling club, wouldn’t hurt either.