Essendon vehemently deny they had any discussions about a potential third-party deal to lure Brendon Goddard to the AFL club.
Goddard became the first big signing of the league’s new free agency system on Monday when he left St Kilda to join the Bombers.
Essendon trumped the Saints’ offer of a three-year deal with a four-year contract.
According to Tuesday’s Herald Sun, former Essendon chairman Ray Horsburgh spoke to his successor David Evans about offering Goddard a job.
Horsburgh is chairman of transport and logistics company Toll.
Under AFL free agency rules, clubs cannot use third-party arrangements to help lure players.
“Every element of our commercial negotiation via ESP (Goddard’s management) and Brendon was tabled to the AFL on Monday morning,” Essendon chief executive Ian Robson said.
“There (have) never been any further conversations in regards to Brendon’s contractual status with any other third-party organisation.”
Robson said there had been discussions between Horsburgh and the club on Tuesday, but said they would stay private.
Goddard can play in a variety of positions, but his main job at Essendon will clearly be to boost their midfield.
That is the most glaring tactical deficiency for the Bombers, who dropped out of the top eight this season.
“It’s just a massive opportunity – a player of outstanding talent, drive, character,” said coach James Hird.
“We just need to play a role in our group and be a really big part of our midfield.”
Hird added he hoped the Saints also did well out of the deal.
St Kilda will receive compensation in the draft for losing Goddard.
“I hope they get the best pick possible, because Brendon Goddard is an outstanding player and both clubs can walk away winners,” Hird said.
“That’s really important in this free agency period, that if you’re a club that loses a quality player like Brendon, you walk out as a real winner.”
St Kilda say Goddard walked out for the money, but Hird said that was not his understanding.
“I don’t want to speak for … St Kilda, but I do know Brendon has come for opportunity,” Hird said.
Hird is also hopeful that forward Angus Monfries will stay at the Bombers.
Like Goddard, Monfries is a restricted free agent.
“We’d love Angus to stay, we’ve put a contract in front of him, we think it’s a very good contract, very respectful,” Hird said.
“We really want him to stay, he’s a very valued member of our team and a very good team man.”