North Melbourneย veteran Todd Goldstein has indicated his intention to play on beyond 2022, despite becoming out of contract at the end of the season.
Turning 34 next month, Goldstein's services as one of the best tap ruckmen in the game have already generated interest from rival clubs as North rejuvenate their young playing list.
The 201cm ruckman told AFL.com.au this week he "definitely wants to play on" next year, but is yet to discuss any future ambitions with the North Melbourne Football Club - despite being a shining light for the Roos in season 2022.
"I'm definitely keen to play on. But everyone has a line. My family has to be happy for me to continue playing and a lot of other factors come into it, but at this point I definitely think I've got a lot more to give," he continued.
"Obviously, it's hard not to think about what could be next when you're out of contract. But, for me, I'm just really enjoying focusing on the week-to-week stuff and helping the young kids grow and spending time with the younger guys here.
"I know that my manager Tommy Petroro has got my best interests at hand and he'll present to me what he thinks are my best options. But, at this point, we haven't had any conversations like that so I have no idea what he's thinking.
"I know from now on that any year could be my last year, so I'm just trying to enjoy being in the industry and enjoying every game that I play and doing the best that I can."
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TODD GOLDSTEIN— Swamp (@sirswampthing) June 12, 2022
North Media with AFL.com.au reported last week that "the whispers about Goldstein's seem more concrete" and that Goldstein "understands his future is unclear".
The Kangaroos have notably shifted their priorities to injecting youth into the side and are looking forward to the AFL Draft in November, while Goldstein is one of just two players on the Roos' list to have played more than 150 AFL games (alongside captain Jack Ziebell).
North have eyed the retention of key talls Tristian Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones, who are both contracted at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
Xerri signed a three-year extension just two weeks ago amidst significant interest from other clubs, while Coleman-Jones inked a four-year deal upon arriving at the club from Richmond at the end of 2021.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
Although, Goldstein's performances have been solid in a re-building North side, averaging 12.4 disposals and 24.2 hit-outs (fifth-most in the league), alongside a total of 11 goals from 13 games this season.
Those are hardly the numbers of a struggling ruckman coming to terms with the end of his career, still arguably one of the most solid rocks in North's midfield.
Goldstein's value at North has extended to mentoring and working in tandem with Xerri and Colmen-Jones, as well as guiding other younger onballers, but it has also forced him into the forward line at times, and the youthful pair have now been afforded contract surety.
North Melbourne's match-up with Adelaide next week (after the bye this weekend) will be Goldstein's 287th senior game, leaving the 300-game mark well within reach should he play on next season, wherever that may be.
