The Geelong Football Club congratulate former premiership player James Podsiadly on his AFL career after he announced his retirement from the game today.

After a long career in the VFL, capped by claiming the Liston trophy with Werribee in 2008, Podsiadly joined Geelong as VFL captain and a member of the club’s sports science  unit in 2009 and was then drafted as a rookie at the end of that year.

Podsiadly spent five years with the club, playing 83 games and booting 169 goals.

Podsiadly debuted in round three 2010 at Patersons Stadium against Fremantle and kicked 100 goals over his first two AFL seasons.

A 2011 premiership player, Podsiadly was leading goalkicker in the flag winning campaign that year.

Podsiadly departed the Cats at the end of the 2013 season, joining the Adelaide Crows, where he kicked a further 26 goals in 21 games. Overall Podsiadly played 104 AFL games and booted 195 goals.

Geelong coach Chris Scott congratulated Podsiadly on his career.

“Podsy was a great contributor for us both on and off the field during his time at the club,” Scott said.

“His story is a unique one but a great one, he was given an opportunity with Geelong and turned that opportunity into his AFL dream. He was a critical part of our 2011 premiership and will always hold a special place in the hearts of Geelong supporters.

“Everyone at the Geelong Cats wishes Podsy well for the future, and we are sure there will be more success on the horizon.”