Todd Goldstein Retirement: Career, Family & What’s Next
Few AFL ruckmen have played long enough to see both sides of a trade at age 34, but Todd Goldstein did exactly that. Over 18 seasons and 345 games, the big man moved from North Melbourne to Essendon, took a surprise contract extension, then surprised everyone again by retiring late in 2025.
Born: 1 July 1988 ·
AFL Clubs: North Melbourne (2007–2022), Essendon (2023–2024) ·
Games Played: 345 (as of retirement) ·
Position: Ruckman ·
Children: 2 ·
Retirement Announced: 19 November 2025
Quick snapshot
- Played 345 AFL games across two clubs (AFL (official league))
- Retired on 19 November 2025 (Essendon FC (club announcement))
- All-Australian in 2015 (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- Whether he plans to move into full-time coaching or media
- Details of his post-AFL business or media roles
- Any confirmed ADHD diagnosis (no public statement)
- Re-signed for 2025 in September 2024 (ESPN (sports news outlet))
- Retired after that single extra season (ESPN (sports news outlet))
- Exploring media and business opportunities (Instagram (personal account))
- No coaching role announced as of early 2026 (Instagram (personal account))
Eight career-defining numbers, one pattern: a late-career surge that kept Goldstein in the game longer than almost any other ruckman.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Todd Goldstein |
| Date of Birth | 1 July 1988 |
| AFL Debut | 2007 |
| Clubs | North Melbourne (2007–2022), Essendon (2023–2024) |
| Total Games | 345 (AFL record for most games before first final) |
| All-Australian | 2015 |
| Children | 2 |
| Retirement Date | 19 November 2025 |
The implication: Goldstein’s career arc — from a late draft pick to a 345-game veteran — defies the typical ruckman shelf-life. The extra year at Essendon in 2025 gave him time to decide on his own terms.
Is Todd Goldstein still playing?
Todd Goldstein is no longer playing AFL football. He announced his retirement on 19 November 2025, ending a career that spanned 19 seasons and 345 games for North Melbourne and Essendon (Essendon FC (club announcement)).
Goldstein could have retired at the end of 2024 after signing a one-year extension, but chose to push through one more season. In his own words, as reported in October 2025: “I could’ve retired if I wanted to, but I didn’t want to rush the decision” (Footy on Nine (Facebook interview clip)).
When did Todd Goldstein retire?
Goldstein’s retirement was officially announced by Essendon on 19 November 2025 (Essendon FC (club announcement)). The announcement followed a period of speculation after Essendon reportedly informed him he would not be offered a contract for 2026 (Reddit (fan discussion)). The AFL (official league) reported he retired after a “record-breaking career”.
What was his last AFL game?
Goldstein’s final match was for Essendon in the 2025 season. He played his 345th and last game in the Bombers’ final round, though exact round numbers are not confirmed by the club. Earlier in 2025, he had re-signed for the season in September 2024, keeping his career alive (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
The implication: Goldstein’s retirement was final, leaving a gap in the Essendon ruck lineup.
How many kids does Todd Goldstein have?
Goldstein has two children, though he keeps his family life very private. His wife’s name is not publicly confirmed, and the couple have not shared their children’s names or ages in a verifiable source.
Many online searches link Todd Goldstein to paternity leave. That appears to be a mix-up: a 2022 LinkedIn post about paternity leave was written by Justin Goldstein, not Todd (LinkedIn (Justin Goldstein’s post)). No reliable source connects Todd Goldstein’s retirement decision to paternity leave.
What are the names and ages of his children?
No verifiable public information exists. Goldstein has not disclosed his children’s names or birth dates in any media appearance or social media post. This falls into the “unconfirmed” category.
How did paternity leave affect his season?
According to available research, there is no evidence that Todd Goldstein took paternity leave during his AFL career. The confusion likely stems from the similar surname — Justin Goldstein’s 18-week paternity leave post is often misattributed in search results. The topic remains unconfirmed for the North Melbourne and Essendon ruckman.
The pattern: family details are closely guarded, with only the number of children publicly verifiable.
What is Todd Goldstein doing now?
As of his retirement announcement in November 2025, Goldstein is transitioning to life outside football. In his Instagram post he described it as “the end of one journey and the beginning of another” (Instagram (personal post)). He holds a degree from Deakin University, which could open doors in media, business, or coaching.
No formal coaching role or media contract has been announced as of early 2026. Fans tracking “what is Todd Goldstein doing now” should watch club announcements and his Instagram for hints about his next move.
Has he transitioned to coaching?
Not yet. There is no official appointment at any AFL club. Given his experience as a ruck mentor, a future role as a ruck coach or development coach at Essendon or North Melbourne is plausible, but unconfirmed.
What is his current role outside football?
Goldstein has kept a low profile since retiring. He has a degree from Deakin University, which could support a corporate or media career. No specific business or media role has been announced.
The catch: Goldstein is in no hurry to define his post-AFL identity.
Timeline: Key moments in Todd Goldstein’s career
- July 1988 — Born in Melbourne (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- 2006 — Drafted by North Melbourne with pick 37 (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- 2007 — AFL debut (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- 2015 — All-Australian selection; finished 3rd in Brownlow Medal for ruckmen (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- 2022 — Departs North Melbourne after 279 games (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- 2023 — Transfers to Essendon as a free agent (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- September 2024 — Re-signs for 2025 season (ESPN (sports news outlet))
- 19 November 2025 — Announces retirement (Essendon FC (club announcement))
The pattern: Goldstein never rushed a decision — not the trade, not the extension, not the retirement. He played until his body and the club agreed it was time.
Clarity check: What we know vs. what’s still uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Played 345 AFL games for North Melbourne and Essendon (AFL (official league))
- Retired on 19 November 2025 (Essendon FC (club announcement))
- Has two children (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- All-Australian in 2015 (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- Re-signed for 2025 season in September 2024 (ESPN (sports news outlet))
What’s unclear
- Exact post-football career plans
- Children’s names and ages
- Whether he has a confirmed ADHD diagnosis (no public statement)
- Whether paternity leave was ever taken (search results misattribute this)
- Any coaching or media role
The implication: most publicly available information is solid, but several aspects remain in the shadows.
Quotes from Goldstein and the club
“I could’ve retired if I wanted to, but I didn’t want to rush the decision.”
— Todd Goldstein, speaking to Footy on Nine in October 2025 (Footy on Nine (Facebook interview))
“The end of one journey and the beginning of another.”
— Todd Goldstein, Instagram retirement post, 19 November 2025 (Instagram (personal account))
“A master of his craft.”
— Essendon FC, retirement tribute, November 2025 (Essendon FC (club announcement))
Why this matters: Goldstein’s reluctance to rush mirrors his playing style — patient, deliberate, and effective. The quotes show a man who controlled his own off-ramp.
Summary
Todd Goldstein’s AFL journey — from a 2006 draft pick to a 345-game veteran — ended on his own terms in November 2025. The late-career trade to Essendon, the one-year extension, and the measured retirement all reflect a player who refused to be rushed. For the AFL fan who’s been searching “what is Todd Goldstein doing now” or “is Todd Goldstein still playing”, the answer is clear: he’s retired, keeping a low profile, and letting the next chapter come to him. For the club recruiters and fans of the ruck craft, the implication is just as clear: Goldstein proved that longevity isn’t luck — it’s patience and self-awareness.
sportnation.nz, youtube.com, goldsteinhilley.com, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Todd Goldstein married?
Goldstein is believed to be married, but his wife’s name has not been publicly confirmed in reliable sources.
How tall is Todd Goldstein?
Goldstein is listed at 201 cm (6 ft 7 in) on official AFL records.
What number did Todd Goldstein wear?
He wore No. 22 at North Melbourne and No. 31 at Essendon.
Did Todd Goldstein win a premiership?
No, he did not win an AFL premiership in his 19-season career.
What does Todd Goldstein do after football?
As of early 2026, he has not announced a formal role. He has a Deakin University degree and is exploring options.
Why did Todd Goldstein leave North Melbourne?
He moved as a free agent to Essendon ahead of the 2023 season, seeking more game time and a fresh challenge.
Was Todd Goldstein diagnosed with ADHD?
There is no public confirmation. Searches return no credible source linking Goldstein to an ADHD diagnosis.
These answers cover the most common reader queries about Goldstein’s personal and professional life.
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