GOOD TO GO
Former Falcon set to shine for St Kilda at last
FINALLY injury free and flying on the track, St Kilda defender Hugh Goddard admits it would be “silly” not to be eyeing off Round 1.
The former Geelong Falcon is enjoying his first full pre-season since being plucked by the Saints with pick 21 in the 2014 national draft, overcoming back-to-back season-ending injuries that threatened to derail his career.
An achilles tendon injury ended 2016 for Goddard, while 2017 ended with surgery to repair ligaments in his right foot.
But with that in the past, the 21-year-old is now looking to the future and that includes a Round 1 clash with Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.
“I’m eyeing off Round 1. I think it would be silly if you weren’t,” Goddard said.
“(Pre-season has) been unreal. For me, obviously, coming back and being able to be a part of everything right from the beginning is great. I’m trying to optimise it (pre-season) as much as possible. I’m enjoying being back with the team and the group and being able to do everything that everyone else is doing. (It) is something I won’t take for granted now with the last couple of years that I’ve had.
“I am trying to keep myself out on the track as much as I can.”
A highly talented swingman during his time at the Falcons, Goddard has found a home in defence at the Saints. Experienced backs Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown have taken him under their wing and Goddard admits he is learning a lot under their guidance.
New assistant coach Henry Playfair is also having an impact after making the switch to St Kilda from Sydney.
“He (Playfair) has made a massive impact on our defenders, (and is) a really respectable coach with some great insights from Sydney and Geelong,” Goddard said.
“I am loving having him on board.” While most of Goddard’s time is spent in Melbourne, he still finds time to return home to Geelong.
His parents have moved to Pt Lonsdale, making for the ideal getaway for some time away from footy.
“It’s a great balance for me to get down there (to Point Lonsdale) and have a bit of a swim and a surf, maybe play a bit of golf with some mates,” he said.