Robert Eddy Biography

Delisted utility Robert Eddy has been given permission to train with St Kilda in the lead up to the NAB AFL Pre-season and Rookie drafts.

Brendon Goddard says delisted teammate Robert Eddy could get an opportunity elsewhere or be redrafted by St Kilda as a rookie.

"I feel bad for him but footy's a hard industry and it's probably something that I'm lucky I'm not a part of, being on a coaching panel and have to make those tough decisions," Goddard told Melbourne radio station 3AW.

"Rob might get an opportunity elsewhere and still might get an opportunity at the club as a rookie. He is well-respected around the footy club and is one of the hardest workers. He is in the top three in the running group. He didn't die wondering."

While St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has used only 26 players this season, he is mindful not to overlook a group, including Matt Maguire, Sean Dempster and Robert Eddy, delivering consistent form each week with VFL affiliate Sandringham.

"There's not only Matt waiting for opportunities, I've got Armitage and Jack Steven and Raph Clarke in the seconds. So there's a number of players in the same position, Colm Begley another, who are fighting for a spot in the seniors," Lyon said yesterday.

"And I'm on record that, while players keep delivering, I'm not just going to make changes for the sake of it."

An unhappy St Kilda Football Club has lodged its concerns to the AFL following an umpire collision that has left 21-year-old Robert Eddy nursing a four-week knee injury.

THE AFL have described Robert Eddy's knee injury as a total accident, but concede the rookie umpire involved contributed to the collision.

THE AFL yesterday cleared rookie umpire Ben Ryan of wrongdoing over his collision with St Kilda's Robert Eddy.