ESSENDON'S senior leadership group was consulted before the club decided to recruit Jake Stringer from the Western Bulldogs.
Bombers veteran Brendon Goddard told AFL.com.au that Stringer would be welcomed with open arms.
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"There's a lot of talk and conjecture about Jake Stringer and the risk the potential team may take, but the club has done its due diligence," Goddard said.
"As a leadership group, we talked about it and we believe we can get the best out of him and provide him with the help and support if he does need it, and more importantly, get the best out of him from a footy sense.
"We're confident we can support him because football is only secondary to everything else.
"So, if there's anything that he does need help with, not to say that there is, we feel that we can support him and get the best out of him from a football perspective."
Stringer, 23, booted 160 goals in 89 games for the Bulldogs, but the talented forward had several off-field issues and was released from the final year of his contract when traded to the Bombers in exchange for picks No.25 and 30 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft.
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"(The senior players) were asked and we were all confident the club would do its due diligence and make a calculated decision, because there was no doubting Jake's talent and what he's capable of as a footballer," Goddard said.
"Jake was really open and honest with the conversation he had with the club and the club was confident where they stood.
"We're excited about what Jake can bring from a football sense."
Stringer's addition to the Bombers capped an outstanding trade period that netted defender Adam Saad from Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney forward Devon Smith.
But Goddard admits the Bombers' ability to challenge for the premiership depends on them becoming better defensively.
"They are quality players and real offensive talents, but the question marks on us were really evident during the year," Goddard said.
"We were really inconsistent with our defence.
"It will be an area we will really try to improve, because offensively I think we've got the weapons to really hurt teams, but defensively, we're going to have to work on our game and place high importance on that."
Goddard, 32, is coming off an excellent season when he finished second to key forward Joe Daniher in the club's best and fairest voting.
But he's aware his future could depend on how the Bombers are travelling.
"If we are successful next year, it's more likely there will be a spot for me the following year," he said.
"If it all goes pear-shaped next year, the club might see fit to try and get a few more younger guys in and free up spots on the list.
"I'm confident beyond the end of next year, 2018, that I'll potentially still have another year or two, but you need a few things to go your way."
