AFL trade news: Todd Goldstein set to move to Essendon

Todd Goldstein had already informed the Roos of his desire to play somewhere else in 2024, now the ageing ruck has declared where he wants to continue his career.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 6: Todd Goldstein of the Kangaroos celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 21 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Melbourne Demons at Blundstone Arena on August 6, 2023 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Melbourne ruck veteran Todd Goldstein has chosen Essendon as his new home as the Dons triple free agency play remains alive.Goldstein will sign a 12-month contract at the Dons, with Brad Scott keen for him to teach young ruckman Sam Draper and Nick Bryan in the ruck craft.

Goldstein had spoken to Collingwood in recent weeks with Essendon growing more pessimistic about their chances of securing his services as a back-up ruckman behind Sam Draper and Nick Bryan.

But he informed the Bombers on Monday that he was keen to take up a deal with the Bombers under former coach Brad Scott.

It is an unusual move given Draper is the club’s first ruckman and Bryan only just signed a new two-year deal after being starved of meaningful opportunities at the Dons.

But Draper has had groin surgery and will not join in full training until January, so the Dons are clearly keen to secure more ruck cover in case his summer is delayed even more.

The Dons believe the Grand Final proved ruckmen often only mature in their mid to late 20s, so while Bryan will get opportunities in coming years he still has much to learn.

So while Goldstein will only sign a one-year deal the Dons are open to him playing on post that initial deal.

Todd Goldstein wants to move to the Bombers. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Goldstein, 35, can move to the Dons as a free agent but given he is so advanced in his football career the Roos will not secure free agency compensation for the 315-game veteran.

Essendon has already secured a commitment from North Melbourne’s Ben McKay and is keen on St Kilda’s fellow free agent Jade Gresham.

It comes with Essendon asking Port Adelaide for a first-round offer for full back Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, who they offered a three-year deal before he nominated the Power.

Clubs are unsure how the Power will land their trio of trade targets in Esava Ratugolea, Zerk-Thatcher and Jordon Sweet with no takers so far from rivals as the Power attempt to split their future first-round pick to help with trades.

Geelong and the Cats are intent on playing hard ball and will not accept either of picks 38 or 44 – this year’s earliest Power picks – for their defenders.

The Roos will play Tristan Xerri as their first ruckman and also have Callum Coleman-Jones who they will be keen to see emerge as a regular player.

Essendon could not convince Andrew Phillips to play on despite excellent form, with the veteran instead retiring to live in Tasmania with his family.

Goldstein was dropped in round 1 by coach Alastair Clarkson and despite 20 senior games the writing was on the wall for him so he moved on to a second club.

It’s been a really tough decision,” Goldstein said as he departed Arden Street.

“I’ve been talking to my manager and my family about what’s going to be best for us going forward … and I think that’s to look for other opportunities elsewhere. It’s probably time for the club to have a clean break and give Tristan the opportunity to shine in the number one ruck role.”