Out-of-contract Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij expects talks on a new deal to remain at the Cats to ramp up in the coming weeks while dismissing talk of joining Tasmania for its AFL entry.
The 28-year-old, who has tallied 184 games since debuting in 2015, is one of 18 Cats without a deal for next year as this season approaches the halfway mark.
“I believe my manager and ‘Mack’ (Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie) will catch up over the bye,” Kolodjashnij said.
“I’ll let those things play out; I like to sit on the sideline with that, and whatever happens happens.
“Hopefully, they can work through the contract negotiations.”
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Drafted from Launceston, Kolodjashnij’s name has already been linked with the Devils, who will be admitted in 2028.
However, he’s given little consideration to heading back across Bass Strait.
“I’m Geelong through and through at the moment,” Kolodjashnij said.
“I’ve been here since I was a kid. (I) slowly matured, and grew up, and starting a family.
“It would be hard to pull up stumps and ship over to Tassie, I’d say.
“It’s a long time away, too. I don’t “know how the body’s going to be.
“I’m loving my time here at Geelong, and I don’t really see myself being anywhere else.”
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Geelong enters Saturday night’s clash with Richmond hoping to end the club’s first four-game losing streak since 2006.
Kolodjashnij says the Cats aren’t walking around with their heads down despite a tough month, which has included three defeats by eight points or less.
“No matter how we’re going win-loss-wise, we always try to stay pretty consistent with our mood and attitude in(side) the four walls, week in, week out,” he said.
“It’s been pretty similar, to be honest.
“We know what we need to work through and what’s going to get the results on the weekend.
“It’s been a bit strange having seven wins and then four losses – it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride so far.
“That’s AFL footy.”
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