Brian Kelly (rugby league)
A fearless and versatile AFL utility who became famous for a game-saving mark and a career defined by big moments.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Australian rugby league footballer·Birthday: May 20·Millennials
Biography
Brendon Goddard played Australian rules football with a combustible mix of supreme talent and unapologetic intensity. Drafted first overall in 2002, his career with St Kilda was marked by breathtaking versatility, slotting into midfield, defence, and attack with equal authority. He was the engine room of the Saints' teams that came agonizingly close to premiership glory in 2009 and 2010, a two-time All-Australian whose fierce competitiveness set the tone. His legacy, however, is eternally tied to one spectacular act: the 'Goddard Mark' in the 2010 drawn Grand Final, a soaring, game-saving grab that has been replayed endlessly. A high-profile move to Essendon in 2013 saw him become a leader during the club's tumultuous period, captaining the side and winning a best-and-fairest. Love him or loathe him for his on-field eruptions, Goddard's career was a study in high-wire athleticism and unwavering will, a player who consistently demanded the ball when the game was on the line.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brian was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Brian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the AFL Anzac Medal in 2009 for a best-on-ground performance on Anzac Day.
- Selected as an All-Australian in 2009 and 2010 during his peak at St Kilda.
- Won the Essendon Best and Fairest award (Crichton Medal) in 2013.
- Played in three AFL Grand Finals (2009, 2010 drawn, 2010 replay) with St Kilda.
- AFL Rising Star nominee in 2003.
Did You Know?
He is a passionate and successful punter in American football, often appearing on Australian sports betting panels.
Goddard's famous mark in the 2010 Grand Final was taken over Collingwood's Travis Cloke.
He was the number one overall pick in the 2002 AFL Draft, taken by St Kilda.
He served as Essendon captain during the 2016 season.
Goddard once kicked a goal after the siren to win a game for St Kilda against Adelaide in 2009.
“I'm just focused on doing my job for the team each week.”
