Could Todd Goldstein be the man to steal the spotlight away from hot favourite Nat Fyfe on Brownlow Medal night?
If Champion Data’s ranking points have any bearing, he could well be in the mix.
Goldstein has averaged 130 ranking points per game this season, almost five more than the second-placed Fyfe.
After a blistering start to the season, some pundits had even gone as far as to label the Fremantle midfielder a a certain winner.
Could it be a decision they live to regret? Fyfe hasn’t polled in the AFL Coaches’ award since Round 13 and could miss another game with a thigh injury on Sunday night. In the meantime, Goldstein has hit a rich vein of form.
Dockers’ big man Aaron Sandilands is the only ruckman to poll 20 votes or more in the past ten years, so history is somewhat against Goldstein, but who could forget Jim Stynes and Scott Wynd claiming ‘Charlie’ in consecutive years, or Adam Goodes in 2003?
Goldstein is number one in the competition for hit-outs, averages almost five tackles a game and is even starting to find more of the ball this season – 15 disposals a game.
Champion Data’s rankings have Goldstein far-and-away ahead of his closest North teammate (Nick Dal Santo – averaging 96.75), perhaps suggesting the competition for votes, or potential lack thereof, will work in his favour.
“It’s been a big development probably the last three or four years, I think obviously the ruck work stuff always came naturally to me, it’s just having more of an impact around the ground and that’s sort of the focus going in this year to start well and have more of an impact,” Goldstein told Fox Footy's AFL 360.
“I think for me it’s mainly a confidence thing ... I think I’ve probably had the ability, probably had the skillset to do it, but I probably doubt, second guess myself, not attacking the footy as if I want it, it’s more hoping that it’s going to come to me.
“This year I sort of really tried to forget any mistakes I make out of my head straight away, they don’t really affect me too much, it’s onto the next contest and make a big impact that next one.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch the Goldstein interview | YouTube
In wins, Goldstein averages 144.25 ranking points. Pull that back to the last four games and the figure climbs to 165.25.
It all equates to a potential big night at the Brownlow Medal, even if Champion Data’s more sophisticated Brownlow predictor has him further down the list.
A fortnight ago, NMFC.com.au predicted Goldstein could have anywhere between 11 and 22 votes after 16 rounds. Against the Lions he was again in the best, but didn't poll from the coaches, while he'll face a tough battle with Shaun Higgins and Jack Ziebell in a dominant win over Carlton.
“I remember sitting there last year with Drew Petrie and it got to about Round 13 and neither of us had a vote and we’re both sitting there thinking this is going to be so embarrassing if we don’t get a vote,” Goldstein joked.
