Todd Goldstein just keeps on accumulating the accolades after his best season to date. The ruckman has been ranked fourth in the Herald Sun’s Top 50, behind only Nat Fyfe, Sam Mitchell and Patrick Dangerfield.
Compiled by chief football writer Mark Robinson, only two other Kangaroos in Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington made the list.
Robinson said Goldstein “has helped return 'the ruck' to one of the most important positions on the ground.”
The 27-year-old made the All-Australian team, finished in the top 10 for the Brownlow Medal and could add a Syd Barker medal to his stunning list of achievements when the club count is held on Friday night.
While Goldstein stood out at No.4 in the Top 50 ahead of Josh Kennedy from the Eagles, down the line was Higgins at No.44.
“Arguably the recruit of the year,” Robinson wrote of Higgins’ season.
“Kicked 39 goals and didn’t play a poor game as a high half-forward, save for the Hawks in Round 5. Others kicked more goals, such as Tory Dickson and Luke Breust, but thought Higgins pulled his weight at his new club.”
Four spots further along was Cunnington, ranked 48th.
“Blue collar and people still wonder if he’s a great player or a good player,” Robinson said.
“Super hands, huge heart and will come second to Goldstein in B&F. Can’t be ignored.”
North fans might argue the evergreen Brent Harvey was unlucky to miss out after another remarkable season, while the league’s best tagger Ben Jacobs could have also squeezed in for his dominance in the second half of the season.