Brendon Goddard commended Josh Begley on his performance on debut against Gold Coast, at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

Begley has been named as an emergency eight times this year after impressive performances in Essendon VFL’s side.

The first year player, started the game strong, booting two goals in the first quarter. He finished with 13 disposals, seven marks and two tackles.

“He started like a house on fire. He joined the club of ‘first kick, first goal’ so he was pretty impressive in his first game,” Goddard said.

“He dropped off in the second half, which is understandable, he’s had a pretty big week, but his first half was outstanding.”

With a wealth of experience, after playing over 300 games in the AFL, Goddard was able to provide some wise words to the 19 year old before the game.

“I said good luck and I let him know that he deserved his spot, and that it’s just another game of footy,” Goddard said.

“The big difference from AFL to VFL footy is the decisions guys have to make and the speed of the game.

“It’s played at a much quicker pace, so I just reminded him to make quick and smart, fast decisions.

“I told him to just play footy and try not to over-complicate it.”

Although the Dons had a seven point lead at half time, it looked as though the Suns were playing the game on their terms. 

“We weren’t too happy with our first half to be honest,” Goddard said.

“We talked about trying to get the game on our terms and then defensively setting up the ground the way we wanted, and then playing the game in our forward half.

“I think that reflected in the inside 50s at the end of the game – we were quite dominant there but we just couldn’t get on the scoreboard.

“It was good to turn that around in the second half and play the game the way we wanted to.”

The Bomber finished 33 points ahead of Gold Coast at the final siren, moving them into eighth place on the ladder.

With one game left of the home-and-away season, Essendon remains a strong contender for finals.

The Dons will be looking to finish their season well, when they face Fremantle on Sunday afternoon at Etihad stadium.

Essendon has to approach the game as if it were a final, according to Goddard.

“They (Fremantle) will want to finish the year off pretty well,” Goddard said.

“They have had a lot of injuries but they still have a class midfield, that can get on top of games and control games, so the boys will have their hands full there.

“Knowing Ross, it will be a good springboard for them.

“We are going to be on our toes.

“Our destiny is in our own hands so it’s important that we treat it like a final, because it essentially is for us.

“We will have our hands full and hopefully we get the result.”

Essendon fans are encouraged to turn up and cheer the champs Jobe Watson and James Kelly for their final home game of the season.