In a move that has electrified the local football community, former AFL defender Hugh Goddard is making a heartfelt return to his roots. The 27-year-old has signed with Geelong Amateur Football Netball Club for the 2024 Bellarine Football League (BFL) season, marking a full-circle moment for the player who began his journey on these very grounds.
A Homecoming Two Decades in the Making
Goddard's connection to the Ammos is deep and longstanding. He first laced up his boots for the club as an eager junior, spending a formative decade there from under-10s all the way through to under-17.5s. His talent was evident early, and his development at Geelong Amateur provided the springboard to elite pathways, including stints with the Geelong Falcons in the Talent League and later, the AFL.
His professional career saw him drafted by St Kilda with pick 21 in the 2014 national draft. After 11 games across four seasons with the Saints, he was given a second chance by Carlton, where he added a further two AFL appearances to his name in 2019. While his time at the highest level concluded, his passion for the game never wavered, leading him to pursue opportunities in the VFL.
Bringing Elite Experience to the BFL
Now, Goddard brings a wealth of experience back to Queens Park. His recent seasons have been spent with Port Melbourne in the VFL, where he honed his skills as a versatile and reliable key defender. This elite-level knowledge is exactly what Geelong Amateur coach, Mark Blake, believes will be transformative for the entire playing group.
"We are thrilled to have Hugh back at the Ammos," Blake stated. He emphasised that Goddard's presence is about more than just on-field performance. "He will be a great leader for our younger players and someone our entire list can learn from." The club sees his return as a major coup, not just for his playing ability but for the professional standards and mindset he can instil in the squad.
Ambitions for the Ammos in 2024
The homecoming is driven by a shared ambition. For Goddard, it's a chance to contribute to the club that gave him his start. For Geelong Amateur, it's a significant step towards climbing the BFL ladder. The club has its sights set on returning to finals contention, and adding a player of Goddard's calibre and pedigree is a powerful statement of intent.
His role is expected to be multifaceted. While he will anchor the defence, his experience reading the play and organising teammates will be invaluable. Off the field, he is poised to become a mentor, helping to develop the next generation of local talent who dream of following in his footsteps.
The 2024 season promises a compelling narrative for local footy fans. Watching a former AFL draftee, who once roamed the MCG, now applying his craft in the heart of the Bellarine League is a unique storyline. It underscores the vibrant and interconnected nature of Australian football, where the journey from local junior oval to the national stage – and back again – remains one of the game's most cherished traditions.
As pre-season preparations ramp up, the excitement at Geelong Amateur is palpable. The return of Hugh Goddard isn't just a recruiting win; it's a celebration of community, legacy, and the enduring pull of home.
