Tasmanian Jake Kolodjashnij has re-signed with Geelong until the end of 2019.
The 22-year-old, who was drafted to the Cats from the Launceston Football Club with pick 41 in the 2013 National Draft, has fought back from a delayed start to the season due to glandular fever and groin issue to reinvent himself on the wing for the third-placed Cats.
Kolodjashnij, who started his time at Geelong in the back half, had been linked with Gold Coast as part of a possible trade to bring Gary Ablett home.
It would have also seen Kolodjashnij reunite with his twin Kade Kolodjashnij at Metricon Stadium.
Kolodjashnij has played 43 games for the Cats, including 14 this season, where he is averaging 14.8 touches, four marks and 2.4 tackles.
All those numbers are better than his career-average, save for the tackles.
He was one of three Cats to re-sign along with Wylie Buzza and Jordan Cunico.
“It’s really pleasing to re-sign these three young guys at this point of the year, a great boost heading into the end part of the season,” Geelong’s general manager of football Steve Hocking said on Monday.
We see Jake, Wylie and Jordan as key members of our team well into the future.
“Jake has already shown his ability, work ethic and versatility.
“He plays and prepares in the Geelong way and makes our team and our club better.
“Wylie and Jordan continue to work hard at their craft and while they haven’t experienced a lot of football at AFL level, we hope to integrate them as part of our core group in the coming years.
“Both display the values of the club whilst showing great potential for future success.”
Geelong will host Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night for a place in the top two.