While Fremantle also has an interest in Goddard, is coached by his former mentor Ross Lyon - under whom he flourished - and has the salary cap space, it is understood that the two-time All-Australian has a preference for remaining in Victoria. This puts the Bombers at the head of the pack if he is unable to come to terms with St Kilda or if the Saints decide not to match a rival club's bid.

Carlton, long speculated to have had an interest in Goddard, has ruled itself out of the running for the Saint, who is 27 and became a restricted free agent this year.

Goddard has expressed a wish to remain with the Saints and has even been touted as the next captain after Nick Riewoldt, but it is unclear how far the Saints will go if he receives a significantly better offer from another club. Obviously, any decision to go to another club such as Essendon would be based on an assessment of that club and its prospects, not simply money.

The Bombers might lose Angus Monfries to Port Adelaide via free agency and while they have repeatedly said that their priority is to retain players, they are capable of creating space in their salary cap, perhaps by list changes, to sign a significant player such as Goddard.

Goddard is by no means the only free agent or uncontracted player who the Bombers have shown an interest in as they seek to address their need for class and skill