BRENDON Goddard will meet his new Essendon teammates for the first time at a high-altitude camp in Colorado in November, as coach James Hird readies himself at the prospect of the former Saint slotting into his midfield. 

The Bombers are sending a group of senior players, including the club's leadership group and captain Jobe Watson, to America to test the training conditions. Goddard, who is overseas now, will meet them there.

A leadership position has not been promised as part of the package to lure Goddard to Essendon, despite him being a seen as a likely captain of St Kilda next year had he stayed at the club.

But where some criticised Goddard this season for poor body language, Hird said he was a fan of the 27-year-old's on-field demeanour and that his best football is still ahead of him.

"I like his temperament because what it says to me is that he's desperate to be a winner," Hird said.

"I got criticised occasionally for my temperament off the field. He wears his heart on his sleeve when he plays and that's something that really appeals to me."

Hird said a couple of conversations with Goddard in the "last month or two" had gone close to cementing the move, but the Bombers didn't know for sure he wanted to join the club until the weekend.

"Brendon's come for opportunity and he's come to be part of a successful team," Hird said.

"I'm not saying St Kilda won't be that or can't be that, but that's what we've talked about. I've talked to him about where I want this club to be, the way we want him to be a part of it, the role we want him to play and to be one of our players.

"We don't need him to be a superstar. We don't need him to be the best player on the ground every week. We just need him to play a role in our group and play a really big role in our midfield."

Goddard said he was excited about the opportunity the Bombers have presented him.

"I would like to thank James Hird and the Essendon Football Club for the opportunity they have presented me, and I look forward to committing everything I have to them just as I have done for St Kilda over the past 10 years," Goddard told essendonfc.com.au.

"Career decisions are always difficult and this has certainly been the case for myself.

"I'd like to thank the St Kilda Football Club for everything, especially my teammates, many of who will always be close friends away from the football field. While I appreciate that many St Kilda supporters will be disappointed with my decision, I hope they respect it."

With a number of senior players still unsigned, Hird said the addition to the list wouldn't force other players out of the club.

Angus Monfries, David Myers, Leroy Jetta, Sam Lonergan, Brent Prismall, David Hille and Ricky Dyson are among a group of Essendon players who are yet to sign new deals.

Monfries has been offered a "very respectable" deal to stay, and Hird didn't foresee Goddard's arrival leading to others' departures. 

"We'd love Angus to stay," Hird said.

"There's obviously a club out there that's pretty keen on him and he'll make a decision obviously in the next 10 days. He's a very valued member of our team and a very good team man."

Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.