AFL star Brendon Goddard’s move from St Kilda to Essendon is complete after the Saints declined to match the Bombers’ four-year deal.

The Bombers lodged an official offer on Monday morning for the 27-year-old, 205-gamer, who had been considered a potential Saints captain.

With Goddard a restricted free agent, the Saints had up to 72 hours to match the offer, in which case the player would have needed to request a trade or enter the draft to leave the club.

But the Saints confirmed hours later they would not be matching the offer, which means Goddard is now an Essendon player.

“We made a significant offer to Brendon that was relative to both his position and other players within the team,” Saints head of football Chris Pelchen said.

“While we are disappointed at his decision to leave the Saints, we are absolutely committed to our team-first philosophy in relation to player contracts.

“While we were keen to retain Brendon’s services, the club respects his right to exercise his options under new free agency rules.”

Goddard was recently awarded life membership by the Saints.