ALAN Richardson will not be rushed into handing Hugh Goddard a debut, despite the 18-year-old’s solid VFL form and clear potential.

Drafted at pick 21 in last year’s National Draft (the selection gained as part of the Rhys Stanley trade), Goddard has impressed in his first year at the club but has not been able to force his way into the senior team, largely due to the form of Sam Fisher, Sean Dempster and Luke Delaney.

“Hugh hasn’t been able to get an opportunity because of match-ups or because guys in his position have been going ok, but that’s fine,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“Just because he is not playing AFL footy, that isn’t a big issue for the long-term outcome that we are after for Hugh, and that is to be a big, strong defender.”

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Goddard also possesses the ability to play forward, as demonstrated against Port Melbourne before the bye where he teamed with Paddy McCartin to cause havoc, and throughout his junior career. The left-footer booted two goals and three behinds, and laid a handful of bone-crunching tackles early in the contest that set the tone for the Zebras en route to a seven-point win away from home.

While Richardson sees him predominantly as a defender, he didn’t rule out throwing him forward occasionally.

“We played Hugh forward on the weekend in the VFL and before then he did some really good work for us down back,” he said.

“It may be at times we need him to play forward, but he will be a big, strong defender for us and will be a really significant player because of his size and ability.”

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It is a commonly held view that tall key position players take longer to develop than small, more nimble midfielders. Goddard is 196cm and tips the scales at 100kgs, making him an imposing figure regardless of which position he plays.

Although Richardson conceded he was keen to give him a run in Saints colours, he was adamant that the ex-Geelong Falcon’s development would not be compromised – regardless of what level of football he plays.

“He might play as early as round 13, or it might be that he has to bide his time in the VFL,” he said.

“But what I can say with real assurance is that he is developing irrespective of the competition – whether it is AFL or VFL.

“He’s developing at a really good rate and we’re happy with his progress… He’s definitely heading in the right direction.”