Goddard, who played 205 games for the Saints including the 2009 and 2010 Grand Finals, starred in his first game against his old club at Etihad Stadium.
However, in an on-ground interview with Fox Footy commentator Cameron Mooney post-match, he said playing his old club had been a mental challenge and emotionally draining.
"It's a weird feeling," he said. "I love the footy club and it meant a lot to me … I don't want to see them lose."
Goddard kicked the opening goal of the game and finished with 23 possessions (13 contested) and six clearances in a match the Bombers controlled from start to finish.
The two-time All Australian, who crossed to Windy Hill as a free agent, removed himself from a lengthy melee at half-time as the clash became spiteful.
Essendon coach James Hird said the emotion Goddard showed post-match was "great".
"Love's a strange word in sport, but he loved the St Kilda footy club and he gave them a lot of service," Hird said.
"He's come to us and we love having him.
"It was a very hard decision for him to make and I think it is still hard for him.
"I thought he handled himself very well."
St Kilda coach Scott Watters said he was never surprised by any emotion that surfaced out of a game of football.
"You build friendships and relationships and that's why it's a great game that we play," he said.
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
