Former St Kilda Best and Fairest winner and Essendon star Brendon Goddard has officially announced his retirement from AFL.
On Thursday night, the two-time All-Australian posted on social media after celebrating his career with family and friends at the Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club.
The 33-year-old was yet to find a new club as a delisted free agent as he was undecided whether or not he would like to play on.
"I feel very privileged and honoured to have played at two great football clubs in Essendon and St Kilda," Goddard wrote on Instagram.
"I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life with my extraordinary wife and our two little angels."
Former Saint Leigh Montagna was in attendance, as well as Essendon coach John Worsfold, former Bomber captain Jobe Watson, Zach Merrett, Tom Bellchambers, Cale Hooker, and Michael Hurley.
After being taken by the Saints as pick 1 in 2002, Goddard has played 334 games in 16 seasons.
He played 205 games for the Saints before leaving at the end of 2012 to Windy Hill as he became one of the first players to be signed with the new free agency rule.
The Bombers did not offer Goddard another contract as he played 129 games in his six years at Essendon.
Goddard has had a great career as he also represented Australia six times in the International Rules series against Ireland.
