AFL 2024: Todd Goldstein to play on for one more year at Essendon

Essendon will go into a third season under Brad Scott with its best ruck mix still unclear, but a veteran is “excited” by the possibilities.

Decorated ruckman Todd Goldstein says he has a “great relationship” with Essendon’s younger talls and is eager to continue on at the club for a 19th AFL campaign next year.

Goldstein, 36, signed a one-year deal for 2025 on Friday after playing 14 games this season following his move from North Melbourne as a free agent.

The all-time hit-outs record holder only played two senior games after Essendon’s mid-season bye, but he said he was happy to be part of a “really competitive environment” alongside Sam Draper and Nick Bryan.

“I’m excited to continue to work with Sam and Nick. I felt like we were able to build a great relationship over the last 12 months, and I think a bit more continuity of working together is only going to benefit everyone,” Goldstein said.

AFL ruck great Todd Goldstein will look to add to his 329 games with one more season at Essendon in 2025. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

“To have three really viable options to play in the ruck is going to create a really competitive environment to hopefully drive us all to improve and give us multiple options next year.

“I am really excited by what I have seen over the last 12 months and feel like we have all the capabilities in the room to be a successful side. I am looking forward to seeing what we can all achieve together and continue to push ourselves and each other to get us where we want to get.”

Essendon’s decision to retain Goldstein comes as uncertainty lingers over its best mix of talls in the ruck and in attack.

Draper was the first-choice Bombers tall but missed eight games with a knee injury, and only kicked multiple goals on one occasion despite significant game time as a forward.

Bryan, 22, was forced to be patient with only 19 senior games in five years, but put his hand up to start next season in the No. 1 ruck spot after a strong four-game stint to finish the season.

Sam Draper (left) and Nick Bryan finished the season as Essendon’s preferred ruck combination with Goldstein in the VFL. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson said Goldstein playing on would provide “great flexibility” for coach Brad Scott.

“Todd is the ultimate professional who holds himself and his teammates to high standards on and off the field. With 329 games to his name, Todd’s knowledge of the game, and specifically his ruck craft, has been extremely beneficial to fellow rucks Sam and Nick,” McPherson said.

He has also been a great support and mentor for first-year tall Vigo Visentini. To have someone of Todd’s calibre and experience at the club is an asset for our players and coaches. “On the field, he also provides us with great flexibility through the partnerships he has built with Sam and Nick. All three players have different ruck styles and characteristics, allowing us flexibility when coming up against different sides.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Todd Goldstein to play on for one more year at Essendon