Goddard’s future still up in the air

ESSENDON veteran Brendon Goddard’s future remains clouded after holding talks with club officials on a possible AFL contract extension.

Goddard, 33, wants to play on next year, but Bombers coach John Worsfold is staying tight-lipped on whether a new deal will be forthcoming. The dual All-Australian and former captain has had a solid year but could find himself squeezed out of the team with youngsters Aaron Francis, Jordan Ridley and Martin Gleeson among other options for his half-back position.

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

“That will play out in due course ... you don’t need to know when that [decision] will be.”

The Bombers have indicated they will again be active players in this year’s trade period after snaring Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith last year. Goddard last week indicated Worsfold had given nothing away in their initial talks, adding that he was “not naive” about the competition for spots.

Worsfold said the experience and leadership the 332-game veteran had brought to the Bombers from St Kilda would be part of the decision.

“That all comes into account,” Worsfold said. “A person’s character, their leadership, their on and offfield attributes are definitely taken into account.”