Goddard accepted his one-match suspension for a bump on Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes and will sit out Sunday's important clash with the Magpies, and Watson continues to recover from hip surgery on the sidelines.
Heppell has taken on much of the responsibility in the midfield through the year, averaging 28 disposals, but doesn't think he needs to produce anything extraordinary to help his side over the line against Collingwood.
"Losing [Goddard] is a massive loss for the club, he's been in fantastic form, but it's going to give another guy a chance to come in and play his role for the side. I'm really looking forward to the challenge," Heppell said on Wednesday.
"I don't feel I need to do anything special. We've got a good group of core midfielders that can take on the challenge.
"We lose that real leadership around the ball and it's more so just setting up structurally. I think we've got some great players coming through and someone else will stand up."
David Zaharakis has lifted his output over the past seven weeks, and David Myers played his best game of the season in last week's surprise win over the Power at Adelaide Oval.
It leaves the Bombers within striking distance of a top-eight spot and just one win behind Collingwood, a gap they can close with a victory this weekend.
"You certainly have a look where we are in the scheme of things and there's a group of four or five teams that are still a realistic chance, so it would be good to stitch them up," Heppell said.
Feeling the Bombers had properly clicked for the first time this season, Heppell said communication between teammates and on-field listening had improved, and their adjustments to Mark Thompson's game style had also progressed.
"We talk plenty on the field and a lot of boys have a lot to say, but it's that real direct and precise comments that you give your teammates to really help them out. I think that's the best it's been," he said.
"There have been things tinkered with throughout the year. We have been working on those areas the last few weeks and to bring it all together and play four quarters of consistent footy, which we haven't really seen throughout this year, it was great."
Michael Hibberd missed last week with an ankle injury, and could again sit out this weekend's clash.
"Not sure if he'll be able to get up for this week. But he had a bit of a run around this morning and looked OK, so we'll see what happens there," Heppell said.
