Essendon veteran Brendon Goddard’s future remains clouded after holding talks with club officials on a possible AFL contract extension.
Goddard, 33, wants to play on next year but Bombers coach John Worsfold is staying tight-lipped on whether a new deal will be forthcoming.
The dual All-Australian and former captain has had a solid year but could find himself squeezed out of the team with youngsters Aaron Francis, Jordan Ridley and Martin Gleeson among other options for his half-back position.
“We’re all absolutely on the same page out of that meeting now with where we’re heading in terms of our decision-making,” Worsfold told reporters on Tuesday.
“That will play out in due course … you don’t need to know when that (decision) will be.”
The Bombers have indicated they will again be active players in this year’s trade period after snaring Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith last year.
Goddard last week indicated Worsfold had given nothing away in their initial talks, adding that he was “not naive” about the competition for spots.
Worsfold said the experience and leadership the 332-game veteran had brought to the Bombers from St Kilda would be part of the decision.
“That all comes into account,” Worsfold said.
“A person’s character, their leadership, their on and off-field attributes are definitely taken into account.”
Goddard injured his knee in the opening minutes of the Bombers’ win over St Kilda but scans have revealed he only suffered bone bruising.
He will face a fitness test later this week ahead of Friday night’s game against Richmond at the MCG, as will swingman Cale Hooker (knee) and Saad (concussion).
Saad looks unlikely to be available after being knocked out in a brutal bump from Saints backman Nathan Brown.
The Bombers on Tuesday confirmed goalsneak Orazio Fantasia has signed a new two-year deal that takes him through to the end of 2021.
Fantasia has been ruled out for the game against the Tigers with a hamstring injury.