Essendon Champion Scott Lucas says the performance of Brendon Goddard was crucial in the side’s victory over Hawthorn.

Goddard finished the match with 29 disposals and ten marks but it was his clearance work that drew praise from Lucas.

The Crichton Medal winner had seven clearances for the game, including five centre clearances.

“Goddard, as a player that perhaps flew under the radar a little bit in that game, was just so very good,” Lucas said.

“He had the five centre clearances – there was a period of time Hawthorn were dominating the clearances, centre clearances in particular, he went in there for [and won] a couple of critical ones.”

Highlighting his versatility, Goddard recorded six inside 50’s and two rebounds from the defensive zone.

“His inside 50 ball use was good, we saw him also go back to the backline and help out in the air as the third man up,” Lucas said.

"There were only nine inside 50 marks for Hawthorn’s forwards – he was a big part of that getting down there to assist the backmen.”

After an even first half in which each side had their share of the momentum, a five-goal burst from the Bombers late in the third quarter turned the game. 

“In that 11 minutes late in the third quarter to kick five goals with Fantasia starting with a great snap got Bombers up and about,” Lucas said.

“I’m sure Hawthorn after half time would have come out with players thinking with [Essendon] players with compromised year's last year … they might run out of steam.

“But to respond like that and then carry that over was outstanding.”