Todd Goldstein has capped off a remarkable year, named as the All-Australian ruckman.
Goldstein’s inclusion in the 22-man squad strengthens his status as one of the league’s most influential players.
The North big man has had a dominant year, amassing over 900 hit-outs in the home and away season, and averaging over 15 disposals a game along the way.
One of the favourites for the Brownlow Medal, Goldstein has already claimed The Age’s Footballer of the Year, and finished second in the prestigious AFLPA MVP Award, behind the Dockers’ Nat Fyfe.
Against the Swans, he became the first player in the game's history to surpass 1000 hit-outs in an individual season.
On Saturday night, he’ll come up against Nic Naitanui, in what looms as a defining match-up towards the outcome of the game.
Goldstein's season so far
23 games
11 goals
1017 hit-outs (avg. 44.21)
340 disposals (avg. 14.78)
83 clearances (avg. 3.6)
99 tackles (avg 4.3)
All-Australian team
B: Josh Gibson (Haw), Alex Rance (Ric), Heath Shaw (GWS)
HB: Easton Wood (WB), Michael Hurley (Ess), Robert Murphy (c) (WB)
C: Dan Hannebery (Syd), Matt Priddis (WCE), Andrew Gaff (WCE)
HF: Chad Wingard (PTA), Jack Riewoldt (Ric), Cyril Rioli (Haw)
F: Eddie Betts (Ade), Josh Kennedy (vc) (WCE), Jake Stringer (WB)
Foll: Todd Goldstein (NM), Nat Fyfe (Fre), Patrick Dangerfield (Ade)
Inter: Sam Mitchell (Haw), Brett Deledio (Ric), David Mundy (Fre), Robbie Gray (PTA)