HUGH Goddard is not taking his second opportunity to play AFL lightly.

 

Despite being delisted by the Saints at the end of the 2018 season, Goddard was still determined to keep his football dream alive.

 

Speaking to the team at RSN, the Carlton rookie spoke gratefully about the opportunity granted to him by the Blues, and his eagerness to repay their faith.

 

“You never take anything for granted, you’ve just got to work your way towards it,” Goddard said. 

 

“I’m just making the most of every minute I’ve got here. I’ve really been loving it from the get-go, we’ve got a really great bunch of young guys and young coaches getting us towards where we want to get to.

 

“I went through the process and I’m lucky to find myself at a great club now in Carlton.”

 

The 22-year-old spent three weeks training with the team during the pre-season, attempting to prove he was worth a spot on the team’s list. 

His dedication and maturity was ultimately rewarded when the Blues took him with their first pick in the NAB Rookie Draft.

 

Drafted by the Saints with the No.21 pick in the 2014 draft, Goddard was plagued by injury with achilles problems which limited him to only 10 games.

 

However, he considers himself somewhat lucky, believing his misfortune with injury has only reaffirmed his desire to play football at the top level.

 

“I don’t think there is any point sooking and moaning about these things. I think things happen for a reason, and things get in front of you,” he said. 

 

“If anything, it’s made me a lot stronger, now knowing how much I want to play this game and I’m willing to do anything to make it happen.

 

“There is a lot more rehab and strengthening work that I’ve got to do for it, but if it means I get the opportunity to play the game I love, I’m pretty happy to do so.

 

“That’s the mindset I’ve got. It’s such a great industry we’re in and I just want to be in it as long as I can, and offer as much as I can to this club.”

 

The Blues may call upon Goddard throughout the year to bolster their backline. 

However, with a whole pool of emerging youth, Goddard knows he will have to continue to prove himself – a challenge he is taking in his stride.

 

“There are a lot of great players at the club, and I just want to come in and show what I can do,” he said. 

 

“It’s a great opportunity for me to show what I can do.

 

“I’m not putting a cap, or a limit, or any expectations. I’m just coming in and knowing that I’m putting in as much work as I can.

 

“I’ll do what I can, when it comes the opportunity to show what I’ve got.”