By the end of a footballing career, every player feels the effects of Father Time. Except perhaps Todd Goldstein.
Over 270 games into his career and at the age of 33, Todd Goldstein is definitely closer to the end of his playing career than the beginning, and the mountain of work he’s put in over a decade and a half would be enough for many players.
But ‘Goldy’ is showing no signs of slowing down, ranking fourth in total hitouts and 17th in total time on ground across the AFL this season.
After breaking the all-time career hitout record in Round 17 against West Coast, Goldstein says his eyes are firmly focused on the future.
“I want to play on for a few more years still. While my body and mind are willing that’s my goal,” Goldstein told SEN SA.
“I’m feeling really good … I’m quite motivated and quite keen to play on. I know I’ll hopefully get to 300 games in a year and a half and that’s a big goal for me.
“Hopefully I can help this group get into finals and have an impact in finals in the next year or two.”
With one final opportunity to experience victory in 2021, the North Melbourne side selected to run out at the Adelaide Oval will be putting everything on the line to win.
Despite being assured of finishing the season at the bottom of the ladder, the mentality and vigour with which North has attacked the season has never been in doubt.
Goldstein says the entire group is committed to improving its record in 2022.
“’Nobes’ (David Noble), like a lot of us, hates losing. We want to win and we know the performances, especially in the last few weeks, have been quite disappointing.
“We’d have liked to chalk up a few more wins, but the main focus is making sure we stick to that process and we’re winning the right way.
“It was always going to be a massive learning curve for this group, and I think the second half of the year we’re pretty confident in the direction we’re headed.
“We want to win and this week is no different. It’s always good to get a bit of momentum going into next year and the off-season.”
North will end the season with its 1038th Shinboner in the side, with Phoenix Spicer set to become the club’s 11th debutant for the season.
Following the recent success of fellow young forwards Charlie Comben and Eddie Ford in the side, Spicer gets his chance after an exceptional body of work over his first season in the system.
Goldstein says he’s looking forward to playing with Spicer, and North has an exciting player on its hands.
“He’s (Spicer) an incredibly talented kid. He’s got a lot of pace, he loves putting pressure on and he’s got a good sense of work rate,” the big man added.
“He’s got a very light frame, but he makes up for that in the way he attacks to contest and just harasses people.
“I think he’s very ready to go.”
