ESSENDON veteran Brendon Goddard has called on Bombers' youngsters to "knock me off my perch" if he's to be edged out of the club at season's end.
The 33-year-old remains out of contract, with coach John Worsfold revealing on Wednesday there would be a "collective discussion" in coming weeks to determine his future.
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Having played every game this season, Goddard is hopeful of securing a new deal to enter a 17th season, his seventh at the Bombers.
"At this point in time I'm comfortable with where I'm at so I don't feel like I'm holding young guys back," he told RSN on Thursday.
"We're in an industry where we just don't gift younger kids games. From a selfish point of view, it's their responsibility to knock me off my perch, so to speak.
"From a team point of view with the guys coming through [it comes down to] whether they're almost past you or whether they're in the best 22.
"That's an honest chat you have to have with yourself. I've been honest with myself.
"You'd say the talent is there, but whether I'm going to back myself in, the club's going to back me in to be in the best 22 [will be decided]."
Competition for Brendon Goddard's spot at Essendon is becoming more fierce. Picture: AFL Photos
Young defenders Jordan Ridley and Mason Redman have found their way into the Bombers' line-up in 2018, while Marty Gleeson has been sidelined through injury after 18 games last year.
Goddard admits the Bombers' recent upswing in form – winning four of their last five matches – has given him a stronger chance of playing on in 2019.
While he awaits his next conversation with Worsfold and the Bombers' hierarchy, Goddard believes he's better placed than at the time of his last discussion off the back of a 2-6 start to the year.
"When we did have the discussion (last time) it was on the backend of some poor performances. When you're trying to plan it's like, 'At the moment it's looking quite bleak'," he said.
"Definitely [recent form] has helped, with the development of younger kids coming through and all that kind of stuff.
"There were times there when it was like saying to myself, 'If we keep going the way we are, they are going to want to play kids if we can't play finals'.
After needing to "get his head around" the potential of being moved on at season's end, Goddard says he's content with whatever way the club decides to go.
"It took a couple of weeks after talking to 'Woosha' last time, but more so at the start of the year, getting my head around, 'This may be my last year'," he said.
"I'm past that stage now. I'm comfortable with where I'm at, with where the club's at, communication has always been there, so there's no issue there.
"The body's good. As a 33-year-old there's always lingering things, but they're all manageable. More importantly, as I spoke to 'Woosha' and others about, mentally I'm in a really good place."
Goddard, who spent 10 seasons at St Kilda prior to his free agency move in 2012, has averaged 23.5 disposals this year.
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