HIDE the pretzels, Brendon Goddard will pull North Wangaratta's brown and gold jumper on this season.
Goddard was selected with pick seven in 'The Carlton Draft' on Wednesday night, sending him to North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve for a one–off appearance.
North Wangaratta's clash against Greta on July 9 is when the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve will be packed out with Goddard fans to watch the former AFL star take to the field.
The 36–year–old was a star of the competition in his day, playing 334 games for St Kilda and Essendon from 2003–2018.
The 2010 grand finalist boasts an impressive CV of two–time All Australian (2009, 2010), Essendon best and fairest winner (2013), Yiooken award for best on ground in 'Dream Time at the 'G' (2014), as well as being the Bombers captain in 2016.
Goddard didn't hesitate when asked to take part in the initiative, especially after growing up in Traralgon.
"I think it's a great initiative," Goodard said.
"Regional clubs and communities are close to my heart, we backed on to a local club when I was growing up so I understand how important local footy and netball is to those communities.
"For many of the locals footy on the weekend is what they look forward to and they haven't been able to do it the past few years so there was no hesitation from me to take part."
Goddard visited Wangaratta with Essendon in 2018 when they faced off against Richmond in a pre–season game.
"I played a praccy match with Essendon and early days when I was with St Kilda we were meant to play one in 2011 but it got washed out from memory," he said.
"I also used to come to the area when I was younger for a country week cricket carnival.
"I'm not familiar with the whole area but I definitely know a bit."
After his successful AFL career, Goddard was set to play in the Victorian Amateur Football Association with Caulfield Grammarians which didn't end up happening.
"I haven't played since retiring," Goddard said.
"I had plans to play in and around the metropolitan leagues but that didn't end up happening so I'm looking forward to getting back out and playing.
"Like I said at the draft, the brown and gold colours probably won't suit my complexion and they're not colours I ever thought of wearing but it's going to be good fun.
"Hopefully I start one out up forward and if I'm not getting a touch maybe I'll ask to get a run in the midfield."
North Wangaratta president Allan Ely was stoked with the news.
"We're definitely happy, it's not everyday you get a former number one draft pick to the club," he said.
"Everyone's really excited and from the traction it's been getting online, hopefully there will be plenty of spectators at the game.
"He's a big boy so he'll probably go through the midfield and help them out in there."
