Brendon Goddard says Essendon’s part in Anzac Day game should be respected

BRENDON Goddard says the AFL should forever lock in the Bombers and Magpies on Anzac Day, saying those questioning his club’s involvement are being disrespectful.

Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury and essendon skipper Brendon Goddard with the cup they will battlefor on Anzac Day . Pic: Michael Klein.

ESSENDON captain Brendon Goddard says the AFL should forever lock in the Bombers and Magpies on Anzac Day, saying those questioning his club’s involvement are being disrespectful.

A number of football identities, including commentator Dennis Cometti, called on the AFL to exclude the Bombers from the April 25 game this year.

Cometti’s view was that the Bombers had forfeited their rights to the fixture because of the drug bans to 12 of their senior players and the patched-up playing list that could provide a one-sided contest.

Goddard recently raised the matter with Cometti, and said the Essendon players were desperate to put on a good showing against Collingwood on Monday.

“I took that up with Dennis, and he (now gives) his blessing that we are allowed to take part,” Goddard said.

“It is a bit disrespectful to Kevin Sheedy and ‘Gubby’ Allan, who initiated the concept, and we are lucky enough to be a part of it.

“Regardless of form, and regardless of ladder position, I think it is only fair that Collingwood and Essendon play forever (on Anzac Day).”

Goddard said one of bonuses of joining Essendon was being granted the chance to play in the biggest home-and-away fixture of the year.

“I would argue that the atmosphere is better on Anzac Day, Grand Finals being between 30 and 40 per cent corporates,’’ he said.

“With Anzac Day, it is quite surreal.

“You look at the crowd and it is literally a 50-50 split between the waves of red and black and black and white.”

Goddard said the Bombers were expecting the struggling Magpies to come out firing after a week of external criticism.