IT'S time for Fremantle to do what it failed to achieve seven years ago.
To reunite Brendon Goddard and Ross Lyon.
While Goddard is desperate to play on with the Bombers, the club again failed to give assurances on Tuesday after a meeting to discuss a 17th season.
Both parties admit they're "on the same page" in discussions, but when it reaches round 22 for an uncontracted 33-year-old, the clock is ticking.
As Goddard continues to wait on an answer, he revealed for the first time this week his mind had started to wander about playing elsewhere.
Moving to Gold Coast as a wise head has logic, and while becoming a Pie to replace Matt Scharenberg for a season could work, Lyon knows Goddard as well as, if not better, than anyone.
The opportunity to employ an on-field coach, in the mold of Sam Mitchell or Luke Hodge, would appeal, before giving Goddard the opportunity to explore life as an assistant.
He even pondered the Hodge situation himself when speaking on SEN this week.
Lyon and Goddard remain in regular contact, often catching up either side of the country where their diaries permit.
Lyon's rebuild is well underway. With Michael Johnson and Danyle Pearce to join Lee Spurr in heading for the exit door, Goddard's experience down back would be a valuable asset for a developing group.
Alex Pearce, Joel Hamling, Nathan Wilson, Luke Ryan, Griffin Logue and Taylin Duman are all under 25, but with David Mundy re-committed and Aaron Sandilands on the verge, they don't want to be making up the numbers in 2019.
After a season averaging more than 22 disposals a game, Goddard is adamant he has more to give.
This season, he has been one of several current-listed players to join the 'Next Coach' program, run by renowned former AFL assistant David Wheadon.
On Wednesday nights, Goddard joins players including Jordan Lewis, Shannon Hurn, Lachie Neale, Luke Shuey and Scott Selwood in learning about what it takes to become a coach.
Run by the AFLPA and AFLCA, the course has seen more than 50 AFL assistants graduate, plus two senior coaches – Adam Simpson and Simon Goodwin.
It has allowed Goddard to open his mind to life after footy.
Lyon has previously landed assistant coaches from a previous life at Sydney, but never from his time at the Saints.
Brett Kirk (player) and Mark Stone (assistant) have spent time at Fremantle, just two of Lyon's 15 assistants or development coaches in what has been a large turnover in his seven seasons.
Should Ross Lyon try to get Brendon Goddard to Fremantle? Picture: AFL Photos
Lyon and Goddard remain in regular contact, often catching up either side of the country where their diaries permit.
Lyon attended Goddard's wedding last year, and in November were part of the same International Rules series for the third time.
In 2007, an injured 22-year-old Goddard spent time alongside Lyon in the coach's box for his first season in charge at St Kilda.
At the end of 2012, 12 months after Lyon's shock more West, the Dockers placed a four-year deal was placed on the table for Goddard, who was exploring free agency.
He ultimately stayed in Victoria, signing at the Bombers where he has missed just five games in his six years.
Goddard, along with former Saints teammates, have spoken openly about their bond with Lyon during a successful period just inches away from a breakthrough premiership.
While he has spoken to two of those former Saints in Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna about their exits in the past year, Goddard's now finds himself in the same predicament.
While both moved into the media, Goddard's best chance to extend his playing career might come with the added incentive of a deal as an assistant.
