18 Facts About Brendon Goddard

Brendon James Goddard was born on 20 May 1985 and is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for St Kilda and Essendon in the Australian Football League.

Brendon Goddard played for the St Kilda Football Club from 2003 to 2012, then with Essendon from 2013 to 2018.

Brendon Goddard was the captain of Essendon during the 2016 season.

Brendon Goddard was an accomplished sportsman, co-captaining the school's First XVIII football team and co-captaining the First XI cricket team as a batsman and pace bowler.

Brendon Goddard averaged 27.2 possessions per game in 24 matches in 2009 and was selected in the 2009 All-Australian Team and finished as the runner-up for the Trevor Barker Award.

Brendon Goddard averaged a career-high 28.7 possessions in 25 games.

Brendon Goddard was voted in the All-Australian Team, finished third in the Trevor Barker Award and received 14 votes in the 2010 Brownlow Medal going into the night as the favourite to win.

Brendon Goddard is remembered for taking a memorable high mark in the last quarter, and kicking a goal which put the Saints in front.

On 1 October 2012, Brendon Goddard signed with Essendon and became the first big name to use the AFL's new free-agency period which debuted in 2012.

Brendon Goddard had refused to sign a new three-year deal all season and instead opted to sign with the Bombers, who offered him higher pay and a four-year contract.

However, the Saints decided by the end of the day that they were not willing to match the offer, therefore allowing Brendon Goddard to join the Bombers.

Brendon Goddard joined Essendon with aspirations of winning a premiership, but found himself walking into one of the biggest controversies in Australian sporting history.

Brendon Goddard took on the responsibility of being a leader and speaking to the media where his new teammates were not allowed to speak.

Brendon Goddard played every game for the season, mainly through the midfield, averaging 26 disposals and kicking 18 goals, his best season tally since 2010.

Brendon Goddard's leadership continued to be valued on and off the field, and his maturity and experience in big games proved invaluable to the young list.

In 2014, Brendon Goddard maintained his form on the field, whilst again being a voice for his teammates in the media.

Brendon Goddard was important in Essendon's loss to the North Melbourne Football Club and finished third in the W S Crichton Medal.

In January 2016, Brendon Goddard was named as Essendon's captain, replacing the suspended Jobe Watson.