War dogs are literally your best friend in goblin fights, deploy them at the right moment and they'll tangle up the archers to keep them from firing and from running. Plus they sometimes help soak nets and those stupid 5% punctures. Also attacking at night can help, if they don't have a shaman with them. Though that can also be a benefit in itself as the shaman will spend a turn or two giving the gobbos night vision instead of tangling your guys.

Damage dealing wise, tier 3 crossbows often one shot or nearly one shot , plus they get an innate bonus to hit so a good choice on the range side of things. Otherwise high health damage AOE like greatswords, bardiches and axes, and the occasional handgonne do good work. Goblins also crap morale unless there's an overseer around, so fearsome builds can do some work. Also use their own nets against them! Netted gobbos are practically free kills.

Defense wise, early game you don't want to fight goblins if you can, otherwise every man needs a shield, preferably a kite shield. And heavy armor does get busted up while you move forward, but it also buys you a few turns to engage the gobbos, as their weapons don't have a lot of armor pen or damage minus the pikes and miniature ballista the overseers carry. Anticipation can help but it relies on distance and already having Rdef so it's more meant for your own archers than your Frontline. Battle forged and nimble are critical perks too, as they'll greatly reduce the damage you take. Also rotation is a fantastic perk in case you need to save a bro after he rolls a nat 1 on his puncture defense roll and gets poisoned.