Hugh update

[saintbrat]

Story on Hugh's progress and plans

afl.com.au/news/2018-01-03/forgotten-defender-joins-saints-weighting-game

[saynta]

"FORGOTTEN St Kilda defender Hugh Goddard has been stuck in the "isolating place" that is rehab for much of the past two years, but is now leaner and ready to deliver.

Losing weight has been a theme at the Saints, with coach Alan Richardson conceding a few players had been too heavy in 2017.

Mav Weller has dropped eight kilograms while Shane Savage is five kilograms lighter, and Goddard, 21, has followed them in trimming down.

"I've lost a little bit of weight over the break as well. It seems to be the AFL trend at the moment. I probably was a little bit heavy and had a bit of 'puppiness' with me," Goddard said.

"I feel like I've really been able to adapt my body to what's required. Trimming down has really helped my running. I'm really trying to get that speed back into my body."

After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg in June 2016, then turf toe in his right foot 364 days later, the cousin of Essendon star Brendon is trying to work back to his elite speed.

Prior to being drafted, he posted 2.98 seconds in the 20m sprint. That's an impressive time – even more so for someone who stands 196cm."


So not slow at all.

[David-Lee]

He may not be slow on a track but one glaring issue that many people noted ( maybe a reason why people falsely think he is a slug) from fans to media was the fact he seemed to be lagging behind consistently & chasing to far back players on the lead. Whether he was distracted or still learning how to read the incoming play I don't know. But I hope for the team and his sake he has somehow found a way to stay with forwards.

[cwrcyn]

Could just as likely been an aerobic fitness issue. Losts of guys struggle with it in the early stages. Just look at Armitage, Ross, and Hayes. They all looked slow early on, but ir was really about not having the tank to keep up. it took them three seasons of regular football to get there.

[Winmar]

How does a 21yo end up needing to lose weight? They're usually still trying to beef up at that age. Everyone's different, I suppose.

[jimmy_slats]

He was 105 so definitely needed to shed a few

[magnifisaint]

Maybe stop drinking beer

[Winmar]

105 - bigger than Plugger!

[CQ SAINT]

105 - bigger than Plugger!

I used to giggle when I read pluggers weight in the Record. Ronnie King a former St.Kilda trainer and friend of the family reported Plugger was usually around the 110 and played as big as 118kg at times.

[Winmar]

That sounds about right actually. What was he listed as again? 100kg?

[parkeysainter]

Shame Paddy isn't with the main group yet like he was meant to be.