Disqualified from the finals this week as punishment for their 2011-12 supplements program, the Bombers had vowed to give their all in the MCG clash.
But with nothing to be gained, Goodwin said his players had run into a mental obstacle when Richmond took control in the third quarter.
"To the guys' credit, I thought their preparation and their week was very good," he said.
"They seemed really upbeat, and they felt like there was a bit of relief in some ways, because it had been such a torrid six-and-a-half-months.
"But the difficult thing is, when you do get challenged in games, there comes a time when you've actually got to play for something, and we probably got to that stage during the third quarter where it got a little bit too hard for us.
"In saying that, our effort continued on, but we just were unable to get the ball back from Richmond.
"Their foot skills were outstanding."
Goodwin said there was an overwhelming feeling of relief that the year was over.
He backed the club to bounce back from its tumultuous season – in which its 14 wins ultimately counted for nothing – and emerge better in 2014.
"Going into this year, one of the characteristics that we wanted to improve with our group when we viewed last year was the resilience, and these guys have been unbelievable," he said.
"If there's one positive to come out of the saga, it's that it has enabled the club and the players especially to build some resilience.
"We've won five games by less than a kick.
"Their courage and resilience in adverse situations has been a credit to them.
"So that's a box we can now tick."
Goodwin also echoed his comments from Friday that he would like to coach the team next year during James Hird's suspension, but said he would be happy to stay on as an assistant coach if he was overlooked for the role.
The Bombers also found an ally in Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, who played 153 games in red and black between 1994 and 2001.
"You see all the old people that you know prior to the game and you do get a little bit emotional with them," Hardwick said.
"[You've had] broken bones, bled, all that sort of stuff for that footy club and to see guys like Doc Reid and 'Killer' and all those trainers, it is a bit heart-wrenching for them but we move on.
"I'm glad it's been dealt with his year."
He said he had "no doubt" the Bombers could rebound next season.
"I just think they're a quality footy club," Hardwick said.
