With first-choice ruckman Hamish McIntosh sidelined with a shoulder injury and David Hale leaving the ground in the second quarter due to back spasms, coach Brad Scot handed the young ruckman the biggest challenge of his emerging career.
Goldstein responded with 41 hit-outs, 14 disposals and four marks to eclipse his direct opponent, Ivan Maric.
“I was struggling a bit, but it was good opportunity for the health and fitness for the next few games,” he said.
“I was enjoying it.”
Goldstein more than doubled Maric’s hit-out count, so dominant was his performance in the centre.
“(Scott) just said fight it out the best you can,” he said.
“With Haley gone I didn’t even know until quarter time. I just had to try to make a contest and give us half a chance.
“I was a bit concerned knowing I haven’t played that much in the ruck. I saw it as an opportunity to really have a crack and see how much I can fit in.”
Despite the Roos’ last-quarter fade-out, Goldstein showed his resilience with 12 of his hit-outs registered in that term.
“No one really knows what happened in that last quarter,” he said.
“They took a few more risk and really put us to the sword, but full credit to the boys we were able to hold on there.”
