Goldy’s hot start, despite injury concerns

NORTH Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has returned to top form this season, overcoming shoulder issues to star in the Kangaroos’ up-and-down start to the season.

The 25-year-old was injured in the opening-round loss to Essendon, but after scans revealed there was no structural damage, he has soldiered on to record an average of more than 30 hit-outs per game.

“It’s been a steady start to the year,” Goldstein told The AJN.

“I’m starting to feel pretty good now, and trying to play my role in giving the midfielders the opportunity to get the ball.”

Goldstein produced impressive performances in a come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide and a gutsy away victory over Sydney; however, he said his side must find consistent form if it is to have a successful year ahead.

“We know when we play our best we can compete with any team in the competition,” Goldstein said.

“We had a great three-week period and we thought we were starting to find consistency as a group, but we can’t allow it to drop off like we did against Collingwood. So there’s a lot of work still to do.”

Young gun Daniel Currie has played in three of the side’s five games so far, sharing the ruck load with Goldstein, who is enjoying the opportunity to rest up forward or on the bench throughout matches.

“It definitely helps having him out there,” Goldstein said.

“It is a hard caper for any ruckman, especially going one out on your own.

“So having a second ruckman in the side, even for only 15 per cent of the game, just allows me to go forward and play another role or spend a couple of minutes each quarter resting on the bench.”

Goldstein is in his eighth year with the Kangaroos and finds himself on the market as a restricted free agent.

He is yet to re-sign with North Melbourne and there could potentially be offers from rival clubs, but Goldstein is happy to wait until the end of the year to consider his future options.

“It’s not something I’m even remotely thinking about right now,” Goldstein said.

“My manager is in talks with the club and I’d love to stay, so they’re working hard to get a deal done.”

ASHLEY SHENKER

Photo: AAP Image/Joe Castro

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