Todd Goldstein will join elite company on Saturday afternoon, becoming just the 11th North Melbourne player to achieve the 250-game milestone.
The 18-year-old who joined the club via the 2006 Draft has since earned the status of arguably one of the most dominant ruckman in the modern era.
The numbers tell the story; second all-time for hit-outs (8020), he’s now well and truly within striking distance of Aaron Sandilands’ record tally (8502).
Goldstein’s average of 32.3 hit-outs a game sits third in the game’s history, a tale of just how impactful he’s been over the past 13 seasons.
The Roos’ number 22 is arguably at the peak of his powers; with the numbers from his All-Australian and Syd Barker Medal-winning year of 2015 having stark similarities to his performance this year.
North Media celebrates the long and distinguished career of its star big man.
2006
After playing as a member of the Oakleigh Chargers’ premiership side, Goldstein was drafted by North Melbourne with pick 37 at the 2006 National Draft.
He’d also had a promising junior basketball career, as a member of the under-19 Australian side.
2007
Goldstein plied his trade with the Roos’ VFL affiliate Tasmania, as he looked to build valuable game time and fitness.
2008
An injury to Hamish McIntosh opened the door for Goldstein’s debut in round 15 against Port Adelaide, and the then 20-year-old played three games.
He booted two goals against Collingwood in just his second game.
2009
Goldstein continued his improvement, in partnership with Hamish McIntosh.
He averaged close to 14 hit-outs a game in season two, with a breakout match against Melbourne in round 19; five goals and 16 disposals in just his 13th game was enough for two Brownlow votes.
2010
Played in 21 of 22 games for the season, winning an average of 17.5 hit-outs per game, forming a strong partnership with McIntosh once again.
He started to have a greater impact around the ground, with a 22-disposal effort in round 14 a career-high to date.
2011
With McIntosh injured, Goldstein thrived in the role as the Roos’ number one ruck.
He took his game to a new level, leading the league for hit-outs with 741 from 21 games (35.3 per game).
With 26 disposals, 30 hit-outs and two goals in a win over Melbourne, Goldstein was started to catch the attention of opposition coaches and the industry alike.
2012
While McIntosh returned, Goldstein continued to thrive. He averaged 30+ hit-outs again, and his 28 disposals and 47-hit-outs against the Lions was his second career three vote Brownlow effort.
He finished third in the league for hit-outs.
2013
With McIntosh departing for the Cats, the responsibility fell on Goldstein. His 822 hit-outs made up 84.5 per cent of North’s total, and put him second in the AFL. He played his 100th game against Hawthorn in Round 22.
20 disposals, two goals and 48 hit-outs against Melbourne was the highlight of the season.
2014
Goldstein again starred for North, averaging 35 hit-outs and 12 disposals, helping the Roos reach the preliminary final.
He pulled down a memorable mark late in the semi-final against Geelong to save the game.
2015
Goldstein had one of the more dominant years from a ruckman in the league’s history, setting multiple records.
His 80 hit-outs against GWS in Round 11 is still an AFL record, as is the 1058 total for the season.
He polls 18 votes in the Brownlow Medal, finishing tenth overall, and was named All-Australian ruckman for his performances. He helped North reach back-to-back preliminary finals and won the Syd Barker Medal in a season to remember.
2016
Goldstein celebrated his 150th game in round one, and played a key role in the Roos 9-0 start to the year.
He had one of his best games yet in Round 3 against Melbourne, with 38 hit-outs, 19 disposals and an equal career-high five goals.
2017
In what proved a slightly tougher year for both Goldstein and North, he still managed strong numbers; 30+ hit-outs a game, to go with 13 disposals.
A 61 hit-out effort against Melbourne was the highlight of the year in round nine.
2018
Goldstein celebrated his 200th game in a memorable round ten win against Fremantle.
783 hit-outs and a return to some of his best form netted six Brownlow Medal votes.
2019
Any thought of a drop-off in form as a 30-year-old were quickly laid to rest, as Goldstein upped his performance once again.
He averaged close to 17 disposals a game, and played all 22 games.
His 34-disposal, 28-hitout effort in Round 22 was one of the best games on record by a ruckman.
The big man finished third in the Syd Barker Medal.
2020
A three-year contract extension ensured Goldstein would be a one-club player, and now in his 13th season, the number 22 is playing some of the best football of his career.
He led the clearance category, usually reserved for the league’s elite midfielders for much of the season, illustrating his ability in the air and at ground level.
Has averaged close to 30 hit-outs a game and 16 disposals, an impressive feat given the shorter quarters.
A picture of consistency, he has only gotten better with age.
