GEELONG has confirmed premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij has been medically retired at the age of 31.
As reported by AFL.com.au on Monday, Kolodjashnij's 13-year career is over after his well-documented concussion issues.
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He retires with 209 AFL games to his name, including two Grand Finals - including Geelong's 2022 premiership - and 21 finals.
"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," Kolodjashnij said.
"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."
Kolodjashnij did not feature in the end of the Cats' season after facing intense scrutiny following the discovery of the concussion form that he had signed when he last inked a new deal with Geelong.
Following that, the Cats put Kolodjashnij through a new set of concussion protocols under the League's procedures, having fronted the concussion panel in 2024.
He played 11 games for Geelong this year, last playing at senior level in round 18 against Greater Western Sydney, but didn't feature in the club's VFL finals series and spent time training away from the club as the AFL worked through its investigation of the concussion letter.
"(Kolodjashnij) earned enormous respect through the way he approached his football, the care he showed for his teammates and his unwavering team-first attitude," Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie said.
"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."
