The Player - Has filled a variety of roles in his five years at Collingwood, but has played his best football as a rangy half back. Predominantly a shut down player, Goldsack has shown the ability to create when the situation allows. Capable of playing on both tall and small opponents, with his height, speed and courage making him a safe option for the match committee. Has been on the fringe of senior selection in recent years due to injury and illness and will be looking to make a senior spot his own in 2012.
2011
Was again struck by misfortune in the pre-season, diagnosed with Glandular Fever and losing 9kgs. Returned to play in the NAB Cup premiership against Essendon, but had to wait until round eight to play a home and away match.
He played 12 of the remaining 18 games, but was again the fall guy for the finals. Put the clamps on Andrew Embley in the qualifying final against West Coast, but was omitted for the preliminary final, and again an emergency for the Grand Final. Is subsequently the only premiership player on the list to never have played in a losing (or drawn) Grand Final.
2010
Failed to play a game until round 13 after an interrupted pre-season marred by injury and illness. Missed only three matches after his reinclusion. Unfortunately they included the qualifying final and the drawn Grand Final through omission.
Was the fairytale story of the 2010 premiership, replacing Leon Davis in the replay. Coming off the interchange, Goldsack kicked the first goal of the Grand Final replay (his first since round 15, 2009) and had eight more possessions in the victory. Represented Australia in the International Rules series in Ireland in October.
2009
Endured a patchy season where he strung more than two games in succession only once. Was an emergency on five occasions. Broke back into the side for the semi final and preliminary final and played an important role down back in the five-point classic against Adelaide.
2008
Didn’t suffer from the second year blues, but he still wasn’t quite at the level he reached in 2007. Missed five matches mid-season before returning to the side in round 14 and only missed one match thereafter. Managed the first four goals of his career, breaking his duck on Anzac Day against Essendon.
2007
Impressed in the early rounds for Williamstown in the VFL and was promptly promoted to the senior side for the round eight match against the Western Bulldogs. Goldsack didn’t miss a game for the rest of the season, matching up against Shaun Higgins on debut, and blanketing Michael O’Loughlin in all three games against the Swans.
His tackling and desperation stood out, and his finals performances, against Sydney and West Coast in particular, were outstanding. Received an AFL Rising Star nomination in round 21 after a career high 25 disposals against the Swans.
2006
Played in the TAC Cup for Gippsland Power as an overage player (19-years-old). Kicked five goals in Gippsland’s win over the Eastern Rangers. Played alongside fellow soon-to-be-Magpies Brent Macaffer and Tristan Francis. Drafted to Collingwood with pick 63 in the AFL National Draft.
2005
Managed 10 games in his first season for the Gippsland U18s as a top-age player. Trained with Hawthorn over the pre-season but was not drafted.
Debut
Round 8 2007 v Western Bulldogs at Docklands Stadium.
Milestones
- Round 17 2010 v Richmond at the MCG.
Draft History
2006 AFL Draft 4th round selection (Collingwod) No. 63 overall on traded from Fremantle via Richmond.
