Fremantle appears the likely destination for St. Kilda restricted free agent Brendon Goddard, should the star Saint want to continue his career elsewhere.
6PR Sports Journalist Peter Vlahos reported during the week that a deal has been agreed to by Fremantle and Goddard which would see the Saint join the harbour club in 2013 on a four-year contract.
The deal is reportedly believed to be just under a $1 million a year but cannot be signed until the free agent period opens on October 1.
The Dockers have made no secret in their free agent ambitions, and with Collingwood forward Travis Cloke wanting to remain in Melbourne, now appear to have turned their attention to the St. Kilda veteran.
Last month Saints coach Scott Watters announced that former number one draft pick would explore free agency at the end of the year but also indicated that he was a required player and that St. Kilda had offered a contract.
Goddard has been touted as the next captain of the Saints, but Watters said the position wouldn’t be offered to entice him to remain with the club.
Recently, Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton commented that Goddard had received an offer from a rival club that was “too good to refuse”.
The move to Fremantle would reunite the two-time All Australian with coach Ross Lyon who was at the helm of St. Kilda during their grand finals years in 2009 and 2010.
To further feed into the speculation, a membership enquiry at the Perth Royal Gold Club was recently taken under the name ‘Brendon Goddard’, with the Saint a well-known golf enthusiast.
Under the new AFL free agency rules, restricted free agents can have any offer from a rival team matched by their current club, however the Dockers reported offer is big enough to prevent the Saint’s from having the salary cap space to match.
Goddard wouldn’t be the first St. Kilda player to move to Fremantle after the arrival of Lyon. Key defender Zac Dawson joined the Dockers this year after three seasons with the Saints.
freoman
Guest
I personally agree with lee Mathews and I don't like his demeanour and going on his stats this year i think he is getting past the player he once was,also he plays a bit like a seagull looking for the crumbs from the outside. FREO don't waste your money
amazonfan
Roar Guru
Pavlich certainly is. I'm not sure about Sandilands.
johno
Guest
Not sure how Freo can afford him. Maybe Pav and Sandi are on the vets list nowadays
T
Guest
He definitely isn't done, I think he just needs a change. He'll be a great fit at Freo.
Dan
Guest
Like how Luke Ball was going to be a one club player?
BigAl
Guest
Totally agree with everything here - none of the once in a generation Uber elite playing squad the Saints have had over the last few years will win a flag with the Saints ! - so sad
Australian Rules
Guest
If Freo are offering just under $1M a year for 4 years, Goddard would be mad not to take it. He won't win a flag with the Saints, rumour has it they're offering only $600k over 3 years.
Elbee
Guest
I can't see Goddard going anywhere. He's a true team player and his heart has always been with St Kilda and his mates. All he'll be doing is hanging out for a 3yr deal from the club and will captain the Saints in 2013. (in my humble opinion)
Anthony
Guest
Good thought, Redb!
Redb
Roar Guru
I would have thought some GWS superannuation would be in order for Goddard.
jay young
Guest
I think his best footy is now behind him , hes struggled for the last 2 seasons i would pay him 300gs a season on a 2 yr contract if he leaves so be it , the saints should be up with the hawks and cats but thier star players cant lift them anymore , Brendon is one of a lot of senior saints whos impact just doesnt blow teams away anymore