Senior player Brendon Goddard has vowed to help return the club to success.

Many of the players are still coming to terms with the resignation of coach and club champion James Hird yesterday afternoon, but Goddard is adamant that the feelings of the group can be turned around and channeled into on field success.

“As sad as the day is for every one of us and I for all Essendon supporters – a lot of people admire James for what he’s done as a player and as a coach – but footy goes on, life goes on,” Goddard said.

“James wouldn’t want us to sit around and pity ourselves or feel sorry for him or feel sorry for ourselves so we’ve got to pick ourselves up.”

Goddard, who has been vocal in his support for Hird since joining the club in 2013, is well known for his competitiveness and passion for the game.

The veteran midfielder said he will continue to strive for excellence personally and demand it from his teammate.

“My instincts will kick in, I’m competitive and I love footy,” Goddard said.

“I’ll pick myself up and the rest of the boys – I’ll pick them up off the ground if I have to.”

The 30-year old is no stranger to new coaches, having played under both Grant Thomas and Ross Lyon during his tenure at the Saints.

Although bitterly disappointed by Hird’s decision, Goddard was quick to commit to 2016 and is determined to find the success that the supporters and players deserve.

“I’ll be here come the first day of the pre-season ready to launch into the new season with a new coach and hopefully with sunny skies above us,” Goddard said.

“We’ll support the footy club, we’ll support the new coach and we’ll be bigger and better in 2016.

“That’s what we need to do for the footy club and for the fans that supported us through the last three years.”