Since arriving at the club as a free agent in the off-season the influence of Brendon Goddard is being felt both on and off the field.

Goddard was earlier this week named in the club’s eight-man leadership group headed by captain Jobe Watson.

Teammate Dyson Heppell said Goddard had shown his value as a leader since joining the Bombers.

“It is fantastic having Brendon at the club, he has added such class and leadership to the group,” Heppell said.

“It is like he has been there for ten years, he has fitted in really well.”

“The standard of training that he brings lifts everyone else up to his level as well so it’s been really good.”

Heppell and livewire forward Jason Winderlich were also added to the leadership group with retiring veteran Mark McVeigh the only omission.

The 20-year-old is the youngest member of the Essendon leadership group, a strong show of the respect that is held for him among his peers.

Heppell said if ever offered the captaincy it is something he would give a lot of consideration.

“At this stage it is just a huge honour to be a part of the leadership group,” Heppell said.

“One day it would be amazing to captain the club and you never know what might happen.”