Goddard will be the focus of attention in a match that is ripe for an upset Saints win.
While the Bombers will start warm favourites after their 3-0 start, they are coming off last Friday night's emotional win over Fremantle.
They also have just five days after the St Kilda game before the Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood.
Essendon players are also about to be interviewed over the club's ongoing supplements investigations.
On top of all that, they have lost ruckman Patrick Ryder (suspension) and veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (groin) among five changes for the Saints match.
But coach James Hird says whatever the circumstances, his team will be ready.
"We're playing a very good opposition that knows Brendon Goddard very well and knows how he plays," Hird said.
Asked about the potential for a letdown after last Friday night's epic win, Hird said: "You train hard, you work hard and you work through emotion as it comes.
"In terms of our training, we've trained very well this week.
"I'm happy we're ready to play tomorrow."
Goddard has admitted he is anxious about coming up against his old club.
The star utility was the biggest name to swap clubs late last year under the League's new free agency system.
The Saints hierarchy was clearly unimpressed about his move and their fans will give him hell.
But Hird is not worried about what Goddard's former teammates might have in store for him.
"There might be a bit of banter, but that's about it," Hird said.
Hird added the loss of Ryder, Fletcher and Nick Kommer (suspension) will be a good test of the club's depth.
He is particularly pleased that defender Tayte Pears will return to the team after his shocking run of injuries over the past three seasons.
"Tayte Pears' story - if he gets back to some reasonable football at AFL level - it's one of the great stories," Hird said.
David Hille and Jason Winderlich are two experienced players also returning to the senior side.
Hird said Fletcher could be recalled for Anzac Day.
"What is he? 55? And the body doesn't recover as quickly when you're that age," Hird joked about the 37-year-old.
"Dustin's a chance - we'll be careful."
Meanwhile, Hird said the club had sorted out an issue where video of his post-match speech from the Fremantle game was made public.
Goddard has said the video should have remained in-house.
"I can understand where the players are coming from and I can also understand the club's point of view," Hird said.
"The players and the club have had a chat and it's all sorted now.
"It will be fine, it's not a big issue ... it won't happen again."
