The ultimate team player and beloved by everyone within the club, Jake Kolodjashnij's impact both on and off the field was sorely missed during an injury-interrupted 2025 season. 

Entering the year with 198 AFL games to his name, it was shaping up to be an exciting year for the premiership defender but he was unable to add to his tally, making just three appearances at VFL level throughout the campaign. 

But with 2025 firmly in the rearview mirror, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Kolodjashnij around the club and the significant role he can play heading into 2026. 

That optimism was further boosted after a strong showing in Wednesday's VFL practice match, with Kolodjashnij getting through the game unscathed and showing plenty of positive signs against Carlton at IKON Park.

"It is unreal," Kolodjashnij told Cats Media about his return. 

"It probably was not the pre-season I ideally wanted, but I am happy to be back in this position where I am back playing footy.

"I managed to get through four quarters which was nice, alongside a few of our younger guys.

"I thought some guys really stood up, particularly Lenny Hofmann and Nick Driscoll as well, I thought he was solid even though it was his first official hit-out in the Hoops. It was good signs."

Kolodjashnij also spoke on the opportunity to be an experienced leader in Geelong's youthful VFL team, helping to assist the next generation as they begin their journeys. 

"It is nice, it is like a full circle moment really," the premiership defender said. 

"I remember older guys doing that for me when I first came into the system, so it is a nice feeling to help them where I can.

"They are talented footballers as is, so it is just little things here and there."

Selected in the 2013 National Draft, Kolodjashnij really cemented his spot in Geelong's team during the 2016 season, going on to play 17 games or more in each of the following nine seasons. 

During that span his importance could not be overstated, often taking on the toughest tasks and allowing other defenders like Tom Stewart and Zach Guthrie to play freely and impact the game further up the ground. 

Kolodjashnij opened up on what he went through during a difficult 2025 campaign, while maintaining a positive outlook on the upcoming season. 

"So obviously coming off two hip surgeries, we sort of had a really slow approach getting me back into things," Kolodjashnij said. 

"It has worked really well to date, I am stoked with the way the medical team has gone about it. It was a tough year last year, I probably anticipated that I would get to my 200th game and my family was in my ear about it the whole year.

"That was a bit frustrating but I am looking forward to this year, I think I have got some really good work under my belt to date.

"Hopefully I can get through once I am back into full games."

The reliable defender said he will be taking the 'one week at a time' mentality into the new season, trying not to put any expectations on his return as he continues to build form and fitness. 

"I am sort of just taking it week by week," Kolodjashnij said. 

"I am stoked with the position that I have got to so far, so I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

"Probably just aiming to play in the VFL next week, I think it is a 10 day break so hopefully normal game time there.

"Then just see how the body pulls up and keep going from there, so one week at a time."