John Worsfold quiet on Goddard’s future and Essendon’s interest in Dylan Shiel

JOHN Worsfold says Essendon has “a lot of stuff to do” around list management as he remained tight-lipped on Brendon Goddard’s future and interest in GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel.

Brendon Goddard sits on the bench after injuring his knee. Picture: Michael Klein

ESSENDON coach John Worsfold says his club has “a lot of stuff to do” around list management as he remained tight-lipped on veteran Brendon Goddard’s future and fended off questions about the Bombers’ interest in Greater Western Sydney’s Dylan Shiel.

Goddard, who is out of contact at season’s end, met with Worsfold and other club officials on Monday where it appears no decision was made on his future.

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The 33-year-old has indicated a desire to play on but has also stated he will stand aside if the club believes he is holding back a younger player who is ready to take his spot.

“We’re all absolutely on the same page out of that meeting with where we’re heading in terms of our decision making so that will play out in due course,” Worsfold said.

“You don’t need to know when that will be. We do.”

Worsfold was equally evasive when asked about Shiel, 25, who is contracted to the Giants next year but is reportedly still in the Bombers’ sights.

“What’s the line everyone says about if you’ve got A Grade players in the competition?,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff to do around our list management so that’s ongoing discussions around what we want to add to our list and potential players that might be available at the end of the year, that’s ongoing work.”

Brendon Goddard is helped off the ground after hurting his knee against the Saints. Picture: AAP

The Bombers will have a clearer picture of who is available for Friday’s crunch clash with Richmond after Goddard (leg bone bruising) and fellow defender Cale Hooker (knee) both failed to train on Tuesday following injury concerns out of last week’s win over St Kilda.

Adam Saad, who trained alone on the Bombers’ secondary oval at Tullamarine, will face further tests but has pulled up well from his concussion.

Worsfold said his side was excited to test itself against the Tigers, looking to snap the reigning premiers’ MCG winning streak of 19 games.

“They’re a red-hot team, they’re in very good form as we all understand and that’s what’s exciting about the opportunity to take them on,” he said.

“We know the way they play so we’re going out to play our style of footy and see how it matches up.”

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