Veteran North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has once again turned his back on rival offers, opting to remain a Roo for a 17th season.
The 34-year-old ended his 2022 campaign as an unrestricted free agent and was said to be fielding offers from a number of opposition clubs.
However, with loyalty proving stronger than the lure of silverware, Goldstein pledged his future to the Kangaroos, signing a single-year deal ahead of the weekend.
In the wake of obtaining the senior figure's signature, North Melbourne's chief recruiter, and Goldstein's former teammate, Brady Rawlings expressed his excitement as he heaped praise on the big man's standing at Arden Street.
“Todd has given his all to the club over such a long period so we are really pleased to have come to an agreement to extend his time at North Melbourne,” Rawlings said within a club released statement.
“Todd is one of the all-time greats of the North Melbourne Football Club. He is the ultimate professional in the way he goes about his football, he is loved by our members and supporters and equally so by his teammates and coaches.
“We look forward to seeing him continue to lead and guide our young group, as he charges towards his 300-game milestone.”
With 9251 hitouts across the course of his 295 games in blue and white bars, Goldstein hasn't just eclipsed the output of legendary Roos in Gary Dempsey and Corey McKernan, the efforts of Oakleigh Chargers product have seen him take pole position in the all-time ledger for stoppage wins.
Goldstein played in each of North Melbourne's 22 fixtures this season, producing 527 hitouts at an average of 23.95 each week.
The 201cm specialist's tenure as a Roo began after being drafted with the 37th pick of the 2006 National Draft.
