Hugh Goddard Biography

Carlton has delists Ben Silvagni, Darcy Lang, Hugh Goddard and Finbar O'Dwyer.

"Darcy, Hugh, Ben and Finbar worked hard on the field and were valued members of the playing group off it during their time at the club," Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said in a statement.

"We thank each of them for their dedication to Carlton and wish them nothing but the best for the future."

Carlton pre-season recruit signings Michael Gibbons and Hugh Goddard re-sign with the Blues to remain at the club in 2020.

"Michael and Hugh walked into our football club with a point to prove and their professionalism and work ethic impressed us all, right from day one," Carlton's list boss Stephen Silvagni said.

"Both guys have made the most of their opportunity at AFL level and have fit in really well into our system. We are looking forward to seeing them continue to develop and hone their craft next season."

Brendon Goddard officially announces his retirement from the AFL after failing to find a new home as a delisted free agent.

"I feel very privileged and honoured to have played at two great football clubs in Essendon and St Kilda," Goddard wrote on Instagram.

"I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life with my extraordinary wife and our two little angels."

Carlton select Hugh Goddard with pick No.1 in the 2018 Rookie Draft.

"Hugh will provide us with strong defensive depth and at 22 years of age will fit well into the backline group," Blues list manager Stephen Silvagni said.

Hugh Goddard trains with Carlton in the hope of an AFL lifeline.

The Blues reportedly met with Goddard's management in July and all signs point towards the 196cm defender receiving a second shot at the highest level.

Hugh Goddard is delisted by St Kilda.

"Hugh showed great resilience after two serious injuries, and leaves the Saints highly respected for his professionalism and commitment to the club," St Kilda football boss Simon Lethlean said.

Hugh Goddard makes a successful return to AFL football, 805 days since tearing the Achilles tendon in his left leg against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

"It's been a journey. I saw a little stat before – it's been (805) days since my last game," Goddard said.

"It took a while to get into the game, but I'm just so grateful for the opportunity tonight and it's great being back out there with the boys. All the hard work's paid off now and I just want to keep enjoying it."

Hugh Goddard hopes trimming down will improve his game in 2018.

"I've lost a little bit of weight over the break as well. It seems to be the AFL trend at the moment. I probably was a little bit heavy and had a bit of 'puppiness' with me," Goddard said.

"I feel like I've really been able to adapt my body to what's required. Trimming down has really helped my running. I'm really trying to get that speed back into my body."

After enduring serious Achilles and foot injuries in a torrid 24 months, Hugh Goddard has been impressive on the track in his fourth pre-season at the Saints.

"He's been through a fair bit in terms of injuries but he's applied himself over the break to get himself a good opportunity to get the continuity in his body," Saints assistant coach Ben McGlynn said.

"Hopefully he can play some good footy next year."

Hugh Goddard will miss the remainder of the 2017 season after succumbing to a foot injury.

Saints football manager Jamie Cox said it was another unfortunate setback for the defender, particularly after being cut down by the Achilles injury in his only senior game last season.

"The new injury is unrelated to the Achillies but unfortunately means another extended break on the sidelines," Cox said.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says Hugh Goddard is not yet in the Saints' best 22.

"(Goddard's) had a somewhat interrupted preparation, although his last five to six weeks have been really solid," Richardson said.

"We've got a fairly experienced group in, so he'll have to fight for his position."

Hugh Goddard will spend the night in a Sunshine Coast hospital after suffering from heat stroke.

Goddard was rushed to hospital in an ambulance from the Maroochydore Multisport Complex after collapsing to the ground following a taxing running session.

"Hugh pushed himself probably a little too hard," general manager of football performance Jamie Cox said.

"He suffered the effects of the sun and he has had to be taken to hospital just to be monitored.

"We can fortunately say he is going OK. He will stay in tonight but he's doing really well, which is pleasing."

Hugh Goddard has been rewarded for a strong finish to the season with a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Saints until the end of 2018.

Hugh Goddard makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at Docklands Stadium with 13 disposals (5 kicks and 8 handballs), 3 marks and 2 hitouts in a 16-point loss to Richmond.

St Kilda selects Hugh Goddard with pick No.21 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

"We were a little surprised he was still there but there were a number of players that could have been. We're very excited to get him," Saints acting football manager Ameet Bains said.

"He played mostly as a key defender this year – and will play mainly in defence to start with - but has played key forward as well and is equally adept at the other end, so given we've got a dearth on our list in that area and in particular at the young end, it's great to get two bookends."