HUGH Goddard cannot quite believe that he is an AFL player, not that you would be able to tell based on his two senior games.

The key defender has looked comfortable at the elite level since his debut in round 16, both in his efficient ball use and defensive endeavour.

The 18-year-old registered 14 disposals and held Chris Dawes to one goal against Melbourne on Sunday. But more importantly, he played in his first win.

“I’m humbled to be here and love being part of the club,” Goddard told K-Rock radio post-game.

“It’s an unbelievable and surreal feeling. I’ve loved every minute of it so far. I just want to make the most of every opportunity I get.

“I’m proud to be a part of St Kilda Football Club and we are driving towards a better future.”

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The number 21 selection from last November’s National Draft is learning from the best, too. In defence, Sam Fisher played his 210th game on the weekend, Sean Dempster his 198th, and Sam Gilbert his 152nd.

All three have played in Grand Finals, while Dempster notched a premiership with Sydney in 2005.

From a pure learning perspective, Goddard could not be in better hands on the field, while assistant coaches Rohan Welsh and Danny Frawley have assumed important teaching roles off-field.

“We have a very experienced defence other than me,” he said.

“I learn so much off Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert and Sean Dempster every week. Their communication is great.

“From day one when we came to the club, we got sat down and told what it is like to be an AFL footballer, not just on the field but also off the field. It’s all about professionalism.”

Goddard is also acutely aware of his strengths and weakness – illustrating perspective and maturity well beyond his teenage years.

“We always want to be in front of our men and come forward to help our teammates out,” he said.

“At times I probably got a little bit aggressive with my positioning and I got told that. I will definitely take that advice into the next game. I just need to beat my man and give the ball to the smalls and let them do the job.

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“I want to be known as an aggressive key defender. I sort of pride myself on being able to take a grab.”

Whether Goddard plays one or five more senior matches for the rest of the season is somewhat irrelevant now, because in the space of just two games, he has already displayed his talents and then some. Every good team needs a strong spine, and in Goddard St Kilda has found a backbone.

Goddard speaking to K-Rock after the game.