Experienced ruck Todd Goldstein will wear the red and black in 2024, with the former Kangaroo arriving at the club as an unrestricted free agent.

The 35-year-old has committed to the club on a one-year deal, adding 315 games of experience to the Bombers’ list.

With a career spanning 17 years, Goldstein has developed an impressive resume, including 2015 All Australian and was named North Melbourne’s Syd Barker Medal in the same year.

Across his career, Goldstein has averaged 31 hit outs per game while holding two impressive records.

04:41

Goldstein arrives at the NEC Hangar

Hear from experienced ruck Todd Goldstein on his first day at the NEC Hangar.

In round 12 of the 2015 season, he tallied 80 hit outs against GWS, which is the highest-ever recorded in an AFL match and has a career total of 9,837 hit outs, more than any other player in the league's history.

Goldstein said he was excited about the opportunity to join the Bombers.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity Essendon has presented to me to continue my career and I look forward to joining a list with great potential,” Goldstein said.

“I’m really excited to support and challenge Sam Draper and Nick Bryan as they continue to drive to be the best rucks they can be. I have admired their progression and look forward to working with them closely this pre-season.

“I can’t wait to get started and look forward to making a valuable contribution to Essendon – on and off the field.

“I want to thank the North Melbourne footy club for the opportunity to play football for more than 17 years and to their supporters for their unwavering support throughout my career.”

Goldstein in the red and black

Ruckman dons the sash for the first time.
5

Throughout the 2023 season, Goldstein played 20 games, averaging 29.2 hit outs per game, with an average of 9.8 going to advantage.

General Manager of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro welcomed Goldstein’s experience.

“We are thrilled to have Todd commit to the club, a Champion of the AFL. He comes with more than 300 games of experience and has extensive football knowledge that will be extremely beneficial for not only his fellow rucks in Sam Draper and Nick Bryan, but the wider team,” Dodoro said.

“It’s a big decision to leave a club you’ve played at for 17 years, but we are excited to have Todd on board for at least season 2024.

“We look forward to welcoming Todd and his family and can’t wait to see him in the red and black next year.”