Goddard to captain Bombers in 2016

Essendon have announced Brendon Goddard will captain the embattled AFL club in 2016.

Goddard, 30, was widely expected to replace the suspended Jobe Watson in the role after coach John Worsfold labelled him the obvious choice to lead the Bombers.

Mark Baugley has been announced as the club’s vice-captain.

Baugley and Goddard were the only members of the club’s 2015 leadership group who were not banned for the entire 2016 season as a result of the club’s controversial supplements program.

“We wish it was under different circumstances, standing here is where I last want to be,” Goddard told reporters on Friday.

“Although we’re very honoured and grateful to captain this footy club and this group, we obviously wish it was under different circumstances,” said Goddard.

“We’ve obviously lost a lot of experience but it’s now an opportunity for other guys – particularly the younger guys – to really stand up and take responsibility.”

Goddard arrived at Essendon from St Kilda shortly after the 2012 season – the season in which the club operated its banned supplements program.

The 31-year-old was widely expected to take on the vacant captaincy position.

He and Adam Cooney are the only players with 150-games experience remaining on the Bombers’ depleted list.

Meanwhile former Geelong midfielder James Kelly and former Hawthorn premiership player Jonathan Simpkin are expected to be officially announced as Essendon’s next two top-up players.

Ryan Crowley, who was delisted by Fremantle last October, is the only top-up player announced so far.

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