Geelong will enter the next fortnight with a keen focus as it looks to get back to its winning ways, according to defender Jake Kolodjashnij.

Kolodjashnij, who kicked the fourth goal of his 184-game career in Saturday’s loss to GWS Giants, said although every game is important, the Cats’ upcoming matches against Richmond at GMHBA Stadium and Sydney at the SCG before the bye were a good opportunity to try to turn things around.

“We’re going to really narrow our focus on the last two weeks (before the bye) and just knuckle down at training and try to turn around those areas that we’ve been lacking a little bit in games, and the lapses that we’ve had,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to the next few weeks, and hopefully we can bounce back. Every week is important, but (we’re) really going to narrow our focus to the next two weeks and hopefully we can get some results.

“There’s probably little bits and pieces all over the ground (that we need to improve) … in particular, some defensive stuff, a little bit around the ball in the contest, a little bit of balance stuff around there.

“I think (if we can) tidy up a few bits and pieces, definitely can turn things around pretty quickly.”

Kolodjashnij said the Cats’ mood and attitude remained consistent within the four walls “week-in, week-out”, regardless of the result on the weekend, and they were looking forward to the challenge of Richmond this Saturday.

“We know what we need to work through and what’s going to help us get the results on the weekend, but it’s been a bit strange being seven wins and then four losses. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride so far, but that’s AFL footy,” he said.

“We’re going to look forward to the challenge, and hopefully we can bounce back this weekend against Richmond.”

The Cats will be without utility Mark Blicavs and midfielder Jhye Clark this weekend as the pair serve one-match suspensions, but Kolodjashnij said their absence would provide an opportunity for Geelong to show its depth.

The Cats’ VFL side sits third on the ladder, having won its past six matches by an average margin of 50 points, with 12 AFL-listed Cats taking the field against GWS Giants last weekend.

“Our VFL team is going really well, which is nice,” Kolodjashnij said.

“I’m not sure exactly where we’re going to go with that, but there’s some guys knocking on the door at VFL level, so hopefully some guys can get their opportunity.”

On a personal front, Kolodjashnij said he was enjoying adapting to life as a dad after he and partner Amelia welcomed their daughter Leni in March.

“I’m adapting, it’s all new and fun. I’ve been loving it, it’s been a joy,” he said.

“We’ve got so many dads here at the Club, that’s what we love. It’s a family-friendly environment, and it’s nice to bounce things off each other, what’s worked and what hasn’t – especially with footy and stuff like that.

“Shoutout to my partner (Amelia) as well, she’s been amazing the whole process, she’s been so great for me.”

Geelong takes on Richmond in a double-header this Saturday at GMHBA Stadium, with first bounce at 3.30pm for the VFL match and 7.30pm for the AFL match.

The event is fully ticketed. General admission members are urged to upgrade to a reserved seat to secure their spot, subject to availability.

The match will also be broadcast on Channel 7 and streamed through Kayo.