In his playing days, Godden recorded 145 League and Reserves appearances for West Adelaide, before retiring due to a debilitating knee injury. In 2009, he coached Glenelg's Reserves to a second premiership, before he was recruited by Woodville-West Torrens as their Senior Coach after defeating their reserves in the grand final. From 2010, he led the Eagles to nine consecutive seasons of finals football, including a premiership in 2011. They won by just three points against Central Districts, despite the Bulldogs aiming for their 10th title in 12 seasons. Godden also coached the South Australia State Team from 2012-2015.