Among many reasons, clarity was key in Todd Goldstein‘s decision to join Essendon as a free agent this off-season. 

Bringing 17 years of AFL experience to the Bombers’ youthful ruck stocks, the 35-year-old is excited by the clear vision in extending his career at the club. 

After being courted by several potential suitors, Goldstein told SEN’s Dwayne’s World conversations had with Senior Coach Brad Scott and GM of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro solidified the Bombers as his best fit.

“Adrian (Dodoro) and Brad (Scott) came to me with a very clear plan and thoughts on how they want things to look and work, and that role really excited me and made me think it could work for me,” Goldstein said. 

“You can see the feeling at Essendon from the coaches and players I’ve spoken to, there’s a real desire to get back to winning finals. 

“That’s definitely something I want to try and do, I want to help this footy club.” 

Part of the new role for Goldstein will be working alongside the Bombers’ exciting young ruck duo of Sam Draper and Nick Bryan. 

The chance to provide flexibility to the line-up is enticing for Goldstein, with the Bombers’ depth in the position also allowing the veteran better opportunity to manage his body.

“There’s obviously going to be fair competition for spots at Essendon. I’m really looking forward to helping the development of Sam (Draper) and Nick (Bryan),” Goldstein said. 

“I think they’re both really highly talented players that can turn into fantastic ruckmen. You’ll find throughout the year there will be different combinations of the three of us, and I think that’s the great thing we can have. 

“It’s a really long season, (so to) be able to manage players a bit easier definitely excited me that it might bring out a bit more life in my footy.”  

The Bombers have been an active player in this season’s free agency period, also securing the services of key defender Ben McKay. 

For Goldstein, the club’s heavy involvement in this period provides good signs for the future, especially in the case of his former teammate McKay.

“I think it just shows where the club is heading,” Goldstein said. 

“There’s a fair bit of excitement around the footy club and a few new faces which will make us all feel more comfortable. 

“Ben McKay can be an incredible player, we’ve seen what he can be when he’s really clear and comfortable. (He’ll) fit in really well into Brad (Scott’s) system. 

“Hopefully we can go on to bigger and better things next year.” 

Having grown up a Bombers supporter, the family attachment was also difficult for Goldstein to overlook in making a call on his future. 

Back at his boyhood club, Goldstein is jumping at the opportunity to start a new chapter in his football life.

“I couldn’t get across the emotion I felt being a part of Essendon,” Goldstein said. 

“My dad was a 30 or 40-year member, I know how much it would’ve meant to him to see me play for Essendon, so that family connection definitely played a role in it as well. 

“When it came down to it, those emotions were hard to shake.

“I’m definitely excited for the adventure and excited about what we can do. This was the best opportunity for me to further my career and my development.”