Essendon great Scott Lucas has praised Brendon Goddard’s work rate following the match against Richmond last Saturday.

Goddard collected 28 disposals at an efficiency rate of 93 per cent.

He finished with five rebounds from the defensive 50 as well as two first quarter goals highlighting his ability to work both ways.

The 32 year old is in line to play his 300^th game this weekend when the Bombers take on GWS.

“His contribution overall to the Club has been outstanding since he’s come across from St Kilda,” Lucas said.

“He’s been a great player for the Club through some really trying circumstances.

“He looks like a player who has had a huge pre-season knowing that the end is closer than the start and he wants to have a huge impact in what may be his last year or two.

“It looks like he wants to play as good a football as he can and he’s prepared so well.

“His work-rate was outstanding on Saturday night, his transition running, and his work in and around the football was very good also.”

The Bombers were under constant pressure with the Tigers recording 71 inside 50s.

But it took until the final minutes before the result was put beyond doubt.

“The backline played very well to only concede 11 goals from 71 entries,” Lucas said.

“The ball was down there so much, time in forward half favoured Richmond heavily, yet they (Essendon) only conceded 11 goals.

“Richmond missed some easy ones but the backline was a real shining light for the team on a disappointing night overall.

“Their (Richmond) pressure was outstanding and I think at times the boys made poor decisions.

“They wanted to use the corridor but Richmond got their numbers there so that just changes the way you want to move the ball.

“They set up well and didn’t allow the Bombers to get the run going which was such a pivotal part in the previous two wins.”

Essendon face second placed GWS this Saturday.

The Giants are coming off an eight-point win over West Coast in Perth.

“It’ll be a tough game for the boys but we’ve seen Richmond go up there and perform very well and also Collingwood,” Lucas said.

“Get your game plan right, know what they do well and really implement it well and you’re in with a big chance.”