A Googling of the term ‘Collingwood stalwart’ produces names such as Keith Burns, Tony Shaw, Ian McMullin, Charlie Pannam and even John Wren.

By the time his playing days are over, expect to see Tyson Goldsack’s name among the aforementioned.

Goldsack, who celebrates his 150th senior game this week, has been one of Collingwood’s most reliable players of the past decade.

Since debuting in 2007, he has overcome a series of injuries and illnesses to establish and re-establish himself in various roles across the ground.

Starting out as a rangy defender, Goldsack has, at different stages, been known as a back pocket, a forward pressure specialist, a tagger, a key defender and a third tall forward.

Although injuries have meant he has averaged 13.5 games per season, he has developed into something of a September specialist. Thirteen of Goldsack’s 149 games have been played in the finals, and he is the only member of the 2010-2011 group to have a clean Grand Final record (the only Grand Final he played in resulted in a premiership.

That Grand Final, of course, began with a Goldsack goal just five minutes into the match. It was his first goal of the season, and just the sixth of his career, but just two years later he booted a career-high 24 majors after being swung forward on ANZAC Day.

Now, on the eve of his 30th birthday, Goldsack is the fifth-oldest player on the list, and only two teammates, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, have represented the club more often.

Congratulations, Goldy. May there be many more milestones to come.

Tyson Goldsack’s Collingwood Milestones

AFL Debut: Western Bulldogs v Collingwood, Round 8 2007 at Telstra Dome

Collingwood VFL Debut: Werribee v Collingwood, Round 8 2008 at Chirnside Park

50 AFL Games: Collingwood v Richmond, Round 17 2010 at the MCG

100 AFL Games: Sydney v Collingwood, Round 20 2013 at ANZ Stadium

Honours

Collingwood Premiership Side (2010), Collingwood Pre-Season Premiership Side (2011), AFL Rising Star Nomination (Round 21 2007 v Sydney), Harry Collier Trophy – Best First Year Player (2007)



Tyson Goldsack is preparing to play his 150th senior game.