Essendon coach James Hird talks with gun recruit Brendon Goddard. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
THE Saints say Brendon Goddard will just be another Essendon player on Saturday, but the bitterness over his departure isn't far below the surface.
Goddard quit the Saints at the end of last year to join Essendon as a free agent.
Asked if the two-time All-Australian was a big loss, St Kilda coach Scott Watters said: "That's up for conjecture.
"In Brendon's words, his last 40 games were mediocre and middle of the road."
For his part, Goddard has referred to his former coach a "hobbit" and a "dwarf", albiet tongue in cheek.
St Kilda defender Jarryn Geary said today the players would be treating all players in Essendon jumpers the same when the two teams meet for the first time since Goddard's departure on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
"We'll be playing the jumper. You don't see too many faces out there any other time," he told the AFL website.
"He played here for a long time but this week we'll just be focusing on trying to beat Essendon and all that other stuff will take care of itself."
Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has been quick to temper fans' expectations in an interview on the club's website, claiming development will come from the younger brigade. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun
Goddard attended Nick Riewoldt's wedding in Texas in October and the Saints skipper says they will be "mates for life".
But off the field the wounds are still raw.
Club president Greg Westaway reopened them in a recent interview, when he put the issue of Goddard's money demands firmly on the table.
"He was a required player," Westaway told Fairfax media.
"But for four years, we wanted only three. That means we would be paying him $750,000 at age 32.
"I don't think so. It would have been derelict of our board to have sewn him up for that fourth year."
Goddard angrily rejected the claims on The Footy Show.
"That is totally fabricated and untrue," he said.
"So for Greg Westaway to come out and say that - a complete bunch of lies - is somewhat hurtful.
"Pretty much he's suggesting that I held the club to ransom for those figures and whatever and on those terms, well it's pretty hurtful."
Saints fans are sure to let their feelings be known in the stands, and while Goddard's former teammates might not hold a grudge, they won't have forgotten that Goddard could let his anger get the better off him on the field.
Don't be surprised if Clinton Jones goes straight to the Bombers' No.9 in an attempt to get under his skin.
Brendon Goddard wrestles with Leigh Adams off the ball. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: HWT Image Library
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