An all-time great of North Melbourne, Todd Goldstein’s ability to continue his dominance as one of the AFL’s premier rucks well into his 30’s is sublime.
After crossing to football from basketball in his teenage years, Goldstein learned his craft at VFL level, failing to play a senior game in his first year at the club.
Making 13 appearances across the next two seasons, he established himself as a consistent member of North’s best 22 in 2010, forming a strong partnership with fellow ruck Hamish McIntosh.
After finishing second in the Syd Barker Medal two years in a row, Goldstein finally earned the club’s highest honour in 2015, pairing the award with his first selection in the All-Australian team after a career best year.
Goldstein’s longevity has been a consistent and crucial part of the Kangaroos’ teams of the last decade, with the number 22 playing less than 20 games in a season only twice since 2010, including the Covid shortened season of 2020.
North Melbourne debut: Round 15, 2008
Career Brownlow votes: 71
2022: A timeless presence on-field, Goldstein was as consistent as ever in 2022 evidenced by his fourth-place finish in the Syd Barker Medal vote count.
The crafty ruckman was the only veteran among a young midfield brigade for most of the season, but his ability to follow up his ruck work and become an extra rover around the ground reminded fans that he simply doesn't age.
Also acting as a key forward at times like he did in 2021, 'Goldy' managed to kick 16 goals for the campaign which is his second-highest tally since debuting in 2008 (20 – 2016). Two of those came in a standout performance against St Kilda in Round 11 where he also gathered 16 disposals and six marks.
With the 300-game milestone awaiting, Goldstein looks set to further establish himself as one of the greatest to ever pull on a blue and white striped guernsey.
