Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Jake Kolodjashnij is back at Geelong training following the defender being caught up in the club’s concussion controversy.
The 2022 premiership player hasn’t played at AFL or VFL level since details emerged of his secret deal with the Cats.
The AFL has issued Geelong a ‘please explain’ over its inclusion of a waiver in Kolodjashnij’s 2024 contract following several concussions.
The league is finalising its investigation and expected to sanction Geelong with a significant fine.
After staying away from training during the height of the saga, Kolodjashnij trained on Tuesday as the Cats prepare for finals in the AFL and VFL.
Kolodjashnij, who came forward to reveal himself as the player involved after initially not being named, has won plaudits from young defender Connor O’Sullivan.
“He rides every bump, and just the level of consistency he brings in his character, but also how he approaches life in general, just speaks volumes of him,” O’Sullivan told reporters in Geelong.
“He hasn’t seemed any different at the club, he’s still bringing a great vibe, he’s still around all the boys.
“The level of respect I have for him, and how he has approached this period, just in still being a connector amongst the group, I think has been amazing.”
O’Sullivan was one of four Cats – Ollie Dempsey, Bailey Smith and Max Holmes the others – to be included in the All-Australian squad.
“There was probably a couple of names that were stiff to miss out,” O’Sullivan said.
“It speaks to the group as a whole and how we are tracking.
“It is nice to get the individual recognition, but at the same time … it takes a whole team to support us in our roles.”
Geelong have the week off to prepare for an elimination final on September 4, while the Cats’ VFL team hosts Tasmania in a historic qualifying final this Saturday.
