As one of just four players on the list over the age of 30, and the only player older than 31, Todd Goldstein is by far the club's most experienced campaigner, but he's not slowing down yet.
Goldstein, 33, was once again one of the leading finishers in the club’s running test as he began his 15th pre-season, finishing fifth among the likes of genuine wing players Luke McDonald, Bailey Scott and Lachie Young.
“I pride myself in my fitness and I didn’t know where I came in [the test], but since it was a new running test today it was nice to do alright,” Goldstein told North Media.
“I work pretty hard in the off-season. We all love saying we’re in the best shape we’ve been in, but for me, I get a lot of confidence out of the work I do.
“It’s not all necessarily on legs, it’s a lot of off legs stuff and trying to adjust to being one of the older ones in how I train.”
Drafted in 2006 and playing his first game two years later, Goldstein fought his way into a squad bearing similarities to the current Kangaroos team.
When Goldstein made his debut aged 19, Adam Simpson, Nathan Thompson and Shannon Grant were the only Kangaroos older than 30, while Daniel Wells, Lindsay Thomas and Andrew Swallow were among the next group of youngsters looking to make their mark.
That team played in preliminary finals in 2014 and 2015, and Goldstein, hopes this young, emerging group can at least match those levels of success.
“This is the most talented young group we’ve had in my time," he said. "Whether that will equate to being as successful as making the prelim finals we did, I’m not sure yet.
“We definitely have the ability to be a very good side, and it’s now about the work they want to do and how badly they want it.
“That’s something you can’t judge yet, but by the sounds of it everyone was working hard in the off-season and everyone’s come back in pretty good shape. I think they’ve got that work ethic, and they definitely have the talent to burn.”
As the all-time leader for hit-outs in AFL history, Goldstein has cemented himself as one of the best rucks in the modern era.
With Callum Coleman-Jones and Tristan Xerri also on North’s list, along with the emerging Jacob Edwards, North’s young ruck stocks look set to benefit from the raft of experience the club’s most senior player has accumulated over the years.
“The great thing about being one of the older players is I’ve been around the block a few times,” Goldstein said.
"I can impart any knowledge and any skills I’ve been able to acquire over the years. I really look forward to working with [Coleman-Jones], and continuing to work with ‘X’.
“We’ve got some really talented kids coming through in the talls region, so I’m looking forward to working with them and seeing where I can help them."
