Geelong Premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij has been medically retired from AFL football, after 13 seasons at the elite level.  

The 31-year-old has played 209 games for the Cats and leaves the game as one of the Club's most respected and dependable players.  

Drafted with Pick 41 in the 2013 National Draft, Kolodjashnij forged a reputation as one of the competition's most reliable defenders. After making his AFL debut in Round 12 2015, he became a mainstay of the Cats' backline, playing 17 or more games in every season from 2016 to 2024, tasked with taking on some of the AFL's most dangerous key forwards. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats celebrates winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos)

In April this year, Kolodjashnij became just the 43rd player in Geelong's history to reach the 200-game milestone. The achievement was celebrated throughout the Club not only for the number itself, but for the perseverance behind it, having spent the 2025 season on the sidelines battling hip, back and groin issues.

In a fitting moment during his 200th game, Kolodjashnij launched a goal from beyond 50 metres, sparking jubilant scenes as teammates swarmed the popular defender to celebrate just the fifth goal of his AFL career. 

Across his career, Kolodjashnij played in two AFL Grand Finals, including Geelong's 2022 premiership, featured in 21 Finals, and was awarded Geelong Life Membership in 2024, recognising his outstanding contribution to the Club. 

Jake Kolodjashnij said, “I am so grateful for the many fond relationships and memories the Geelong Football Club has provided me. Football has been such a significant part of my life. I feel lucky to have shared it with some of my closest friends, and to have had the on-field success that we had during my time at the Club.” 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Rhys Stanley of the Cats and Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrate winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos)

Geelong Cats Executive General Manager Football Andrew Mackie said: 
 
"Jake's contribution to our football club extends far beyond his impact on the field,"  

"He earned enormous respect through the way he approached his football, the care he showed for his teammates and his unwavering team-first attitude.  

"Jake built a reputation as one of the competition's most reliable defenders, his coaches and teammates had complete confidence he would take on whatever role was required and get the job done. 

“His career has been defined by consistency, resilience and selflessness. The determination and professionalism he displayed throughout his journey are qualities that made him such a valued teammate and person within our football club. 

"Jake should be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved across his career, as we certainly are. 

"On behalf of everyone at the Geelong Football Club, we thank Jake for his contribution and wish him, Amelia and Leni all the very best for the future. They will always be a valued part of the Geelong Cats family,” Mackie said.