Essendon have needed less than one day of AFL free agency to snare St Kilda life member Brendon Goddard.

The 27-year-old 205-gamer had been considered the Saints' likely next captain and was made a life member of the club just a few weeks ago.

But the Saints, who had 72 hours under free agency rules to match a four-year Bombers offer believed to be worth more than $700,000 per season, declined on the same day.

The other player to find a new club on free agency's opening day was Adelaide forward-midfielder Chris Knights, who joined Richmond.

The Tigers have also submitted a long-term offer for Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin while Fremantle have lodged a bid for Power midfield speedster Danyle Pearce.

The Power are still weighing up whether to match either or both of those offers, in which case the players would be forced into the trade market or