Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij has promised to return this year fitter than ever before from his best AFL preseason yet.
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The 22-year-old is entering his fifth season in the Cats’ system that so far has yielded 47 out of a possible 95 games since arriving at Corio Bay.
His twin brother Kade has comparably played 70 matches for Gold Coast Suns.
Concerns had grew for the Launceston-raised talent last preseason from missing the first three months of Geelong conditioning after he was restricted with glandular fever.
“I think I was only running this time last year,” he said.
“So to get in a full preseason in so far has been really pleasing for me and my body is in a really good position.
“Hopefully, I have a strong year off the back of that.”
Kolodjashnij cast aside last year’s serious infection and some additional niggling injuries to end 2017 with 18 games including finals.
But the one-time Prospect junior has wasted no time to build up his strength away from the playing arena.
“I have put on a couple of kilos now,” Kolodjashnij said.
“I haven’t been smashing weights though. Just the two weights [sessions] for me a week because I’m pretty happy with where I am at now.
“The extra weight for sure is key if I am going to be playing on those key forwards.”
The 193cm Kolodjashnij now weighs in around 95kgs.
Club coaches have indicated to Kolodjashnij he will replace retired key defenders Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie, as tall Lachie Henderson is expected to miss the start from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
But after spending the bulk of the second half of last year on the wing, he has not ruled out a return to the midfield.
“That was an eye-opener for me,” Kolodjashnij said.
“I thought that really did help my development.
“I definitely enjoyed playing there, so hopefully I can go back there sometime.”
Kolodjashnij was excited to play at Colac’s Central Reserve on Sunday in the preseason clash with Essendon.
A community camp visit to the country ground, 75kms west of Geelong, reminded him of Windsor Park.
“The layout of the ground, it’s all open, cars are parked all the way around the outside and it really has that country feel to it,” he said.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
