I don't think I am undertaking any confirmation bias at all. His numbers have dropped off from his best over the last few years, that is indisputable. From available evidence he got beaten in the VFL on the weekend by his direct opponent.
But its not just stats. Its impact. Compared to his previous years his impact in and around the contest this year simply does not pass the eye test. He is a shell of his former self, a shell which is still a decent ruck, but we expect more from Goldy because he is capable of so much more. When we needed him to stand up, he stood up. I'm calling a spade a spade mate.
Is he a better ruck option that Daw? Yep. Is he a better ruck option that Preuss? Yep. Would I prefer to see either of them in for the purpose of their development over Goldy? Daw, not really, Preuss yep. Would we be losing a lot if we played Preuss over Goldy at AFL level? I don't think so, until he starts to tire, which at this stage is happening to half the team because of their youth so no biggie.
In short, Goldy has dropped off. He is still pretty good, but he is not where he should be statistically or impact wise.