Essendon champion Scott Lucas says Brendon Goddard is one of the ‘unsung heroes’ for the Bombers this season.

The Crichton Medal winner who played his 300^th game in round 11 has been spending more time as an inside midfielder this season.

Goddard is averaging 27 disposals per game (second only to Zach Merrett at the Club) and is distributing the ball at an excellent efficiency rating of 83 per cent.

The 32 year old is also ranked in the top five for clearances and contested possessions at the Bombers.

“I think Brendon Goddard has had a great year,” Lucas said.

“He’s been that big body in and around the midfield that has been able to work really well.

“What goes unnoticed, and the down the ground vision really shows how well he works to push back and help out his teammates.”

Joe Daniher has also caught the eye of Lucas as the tall forward closes in on his best ever goal tally for a single season.

The 23 year old has kicked 34 goals, just short of his personal best of 43 that was set last year.

“He’s on track for a big season … what’s most pleasing for him is the way he’s been able to present at the footy and his work rate – to go in and help out in the ruck and push forward,” Lucas said.

“He’s been able to help and then that’s freed him up.

“Since the Melbourne game where he was criticised for his goal kicking he’s kicked 21.2, so either he’s gone away and worked on it a lot or he just had a bad couple of weeks and that can be the nature of goal kicking.

“Either way it’s a tribute to him and the way he’s worked on his game.”

At the other end of the ground, Michael Hurley has reaffirmed his status as one of the premier defenders in the game.

Hurley leads the league in rebounds from the defensive 50 and is averaging a career high 23 disposals per game.

“He took two or three weeks to find his groove but since then he’s been outstanding,” Lucas said.

“I think he’d be a lock for one of the key back positions in the All-Australian team at this point in time.

“He directs traffic well, he makes other players better and he uses the ball so well with his long kicking out of the backline.”

With Zach Merrett continuing his excellent form from last season, Lucas said the Bombers are developing star quality right across the field.

“You’ve got a key forward [Daniher] in the best couple in the competition, a key back [Hurley] in the best couple in the competition and a top five midfielder [Merrett],” Lucas said.

“You’re starting to form the nucleus of some serious players out on the ground for the Bombers.”