Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce, Brendon Goddard, has agreed to a new one-year deal that will see him remain a Bomber next season.

The dual All-Australian and 2013 Crichton Medallist said he was pleased to confirm his commitment to the Club ahead of Saturday’s clash against traditional rival Carlton at the MCG.

“As a Club we’ve made great inroads this year, I’m excited about heading into my fifth season at Essendon, and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else,” Goddard said. 

“Being reunited with our teammates in the coming months and the talent that has emerged this season fills me with great optimism about 2017. We still have plenty of hard work ahead of us but this playing group has incredible drive and ambition. 

“Working under 'Woosha' has been extremely refreshing for the group and me personally. He’s done a great job implementing an elite football program which has seen us playing some really exciting and competitive football.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out on the field this weekend. As a playing group we want to finish this season on a positive note and reward our members and supporters for their incredible loyalty.”

Currently sitting on 288 games, the new deal will see the experienced veteran edge closer to the 300-game milestone. 

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Goddard has done a tremendous job as Captain this season.

“We are really pleased ‘BJ’ will be suiting up for us again next season, he’s not only a talented player but he’s a great person to have around the footy Club,” Worsfold said. 

“BJ has done a fantastic job since taking on the captaincy from both a performance perspective where he’s been one of our best and most consistent players and from a leadership perspective where his professionalism and elite standards set a great example for the team.  

“He has also played a significant role in maintaining an enjoyable environment of commitment, learning and growth.” 

Essendon List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro praised Goddard’s versatility and competitive nature.   

“From the moment he walked into the Club Brendon has been the ultimate professional and it’s fantastic to have him signed on for a fifth season,” Dodoro said.

“Given our circumstances Brendon has had to play a number of different roles for us this season, he’s great competitor and his work rate across the ground is impressive, especially given his size and age.” 

Goddard’s new deal continues an exciting fortnight for the Club after Michael Hurley, Ben Howlett, Brent Stanton, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Patty Ambrose all confirmed they were #BackIn for season 2017.