Setting the Goldstein standard
NORTH Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein is relishing a return to finals footy against Essendon on Saturday night, after a season that has the young ruckman in contention for a spot on the All-Australian team.
NORTH Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein is relishing a return to finals footy against Essendon on Saturday night, after a season that has the young ruckman in contention for a spot on the All-Australian team.
Goldstein’s efforts for the blue-and-white have been key to his side’s sizzling form entering September and also in overcoming the inconsistencies that plagued the club in recent campaigns.
“I think the last two years have been pretty similar, but in the last month or so we’ve really started to fix those issues,” Goldstein told the <I>AJN<P>.
“When we put the right work in mid-week and have the right focus coming into a game, we’re a very hard side to beat. It’s about reinforcing the right messages because we can’t afford any slip-ups. Some of those slip-ups probably cost us top-four this year.”
In an up-and-down 2014 for the Kangas, Goldstein has been the picture of consistency.
The 26-year-old played every game until resting in the final round, averaging 91 per cent game time, which is the third highest at the club. He also ranks fifth in the competition at 34 hit-outs per game and credits his improved engine for the breakthrough season.
“The work that our strength and conditioning staff put into me in my first two or three years makes me realise how worthwhile all the pain and extra sessions are,” he said.
“The role of a ruckman has changed so much that if you can play 90-95 per cent game time, it gives you a lot more flexibility with side you can pick.
“It’s one of those things that shows how hard work does pay off and I’m happy to be reaping the rewards now.”
In return for his fine form, Goldstein’s club rewarded him with a two-year contract earlier this year.
“I can see what this club is building and what Brad (Scott) and his coaching staff bring to the footy club, and who they’ve recruited, and you’ve got to be nothing but confident in the direction we’re headed,” he said.
Victories against Hawthorn, Sydney and Fremantle this year, as well as a current four-game winning streak, has given North Melbourne a confidence Goldstein says his side will bring against Essendon.
“We fancy our chances against any side in the AFL,” he said.
“I think we’ve proven that we can beat anyone and with Essendon being one of our biggest rivals it should be a very interested final.”
ADAM BLAU
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