Todd Goldstein has reaped a rich reward from his seller’s market, securing a new three-year AFL deal with North Melbourne at the age of 31.
Geelong, desperate for an established ruckman, reportedly were dangling a four-year deal at the unrestricted free agent.
The Cats’ ruck woes were laid bare when Rhys Stanley was a controversial late withdrawal last Friday night from the qualifying final loss to Collingwood.
St Kilda also showed interest in Goldstein but instead the Kangaroos pulled off a major coup and the 2015 All Australian will probably reach his goal of 300 games at North.
“I definitely wasn’t complaining about it, that’s for sure,” Goldstein said of the interest from rival clubs.
“When you get to that dreaded age of 30, if you can get a one-year contract you’re usually pretty happy.
“That was my focus; while there was interest, to try and make sure I could really set a bit of security.
“Now I can relex, focus on my footy and get ready for life after footy, whenever that is.”
Timing is everything and apart from other clubs being interested in him, Goldstein is coming off a strong season.
He played every game and torched Port Adelaide in North’s round-22 win with 34 possessions and 28 hitouts.
“That was part of our negotiating,” Goldstein joked of the Port game.
He said the interest was flattering but his preference was to extend his 234-game career at Arden St.
“My focus was always wanting to be a 300-game player for this footy club and this allows me to get close to that goal,” he said.
“It’s always a tough decision. I’m looking at having hopefully four or five years left in my career.
“I would have taken 10 years … I’m not too fussed.
“I always wanted as much as I could possibly get. Security is the key in this game.”
Goldstein was also able to point to his outstanding durability – having played at least 19 per season since 2010.
Asked about the temptation to switch to minor premiers Geelong, Goldstein was buoyant about North’s prospects.
Apart from new coach Rhyce Shaw, the revamped regime at the club will feature Goldstein’s former teammate Brady Rawlings as football boss.
“You’ve seen teams like Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, who seem like they came from nowhere to win a premiership,” Goldstein said.
“Every team feels like they have a chance … I don’t think any team can guarantee you a premiership and I think I have just as a good a chance here as anywhere else.”
Goldstein, who has kicked 119 goals, hopes to be more of a factor in attack.
“I feel like I can still go to another level with my game, and impact the scoreboard a little bit more, and become a more dangerous proposition when I push forward,” he said.
