Todd Goldstein denies there was ever any danger of him leaving North Melbourne

TODD Goldstein admits he was blindsided by “weird” trade talk, speaking for the first time since rumours swirled he was set to exit Arden Street.

Todd Goldstein in action for North Melbourne.

TODD Goldstein admits he was blindsided by “weird” trade talk.

The North Melbourne ruckman spoke for the first time since rumours swirled he was set to exit Arden Street during the AFL Trade Period.

The Kangaroos had already farewelled much-loved veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito but the club was quick to rule out any move on their star big man.

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Goldstein said he had never considered leaving North Melbourne.

“It was a bit of a weird one,” he said.

“The footy club came out and said they weren’t talking to anyone, I said I wasn’t looking for (a trade), my manager said I wasn’t looking for one. From our side, it was never even an option.

Sam Jacobs and Todd Goldstein tangle. Picture: Sarah Reed

“My manager and I have never spoken about looking for another club. I’ve always been committed to North and that’s why I signed a three-year contract at the start of the last year. This is where I want to be.

“I was a bit surprised when it all came out, especially the bit about West Coast. I was sitting on my couch in Pascoe Vale when I heard I was over there having a medical.”

Goldstein has been a mainstay of the Kangaroos outfit in recent years and is arguably the most influential ruckman in the AFL.

Despite the exits of Harvey and co as well as star midfielder Daniel Wells, Goldstein still believed the club was capable of playing finals with the second youngest list in the AFL.

“It’s exciting — there’s a bit more youthful exuberance in this group,” Goldstein told Fox Sports.

“You’re not going to replace the players we lost, but it’s a new era now and there’s an opportunity for other players to step up and take their mantle. And there’s also a chance for the young guys to come up and show what they can do and why they got drafted.

“It’s not something we’ve spoken about, but I know I’m here to play finals and to win premierships.

“We don’t know exactly what our side looks like yet, but I know whatever we put on the track, we’re going to be competitive and striving for finals.”

Originally published as Todd Goldstein denies there was ever any danger of him leaving North Melbourne