Geelong have re-signed defenders Jake Kolodjashnij and Lawson Humphries on two-year deals tying them to the club until 2026.
Jed Bews, as expected, has a one-year deal while tough rookie on-baller Ted Clohesy also landed a one-year deal. Rhys Stanley and Mitch Duncan are also expected to sign for one more year while it’s unclear whether the skipper Patrick Dangerfield will sign a one or two-year deal.
Humphries was picked up a year ago with the 63rd and final selection of the national draft, but made an immediate impression on debut against Essendon in round 16.
Composed and a clean user of the ball, he became a firm member of the Cats’ best line-up by the time their campaign ended in the preliminary final loss to Brisbane Lions.
Lawson Humphries.Credit: Getty Images
Recruited from Swan Districts, Humphries’ contract already stretched to the end of 2025, but the Cats added a year to the deal.
Kolodjashnij and Bews were dependable members of the Cats’ 2022 premiership team, although the latter struggled for opportunities at senior level early in 2024.
The son of Andrew Bews – a former Geelong captain who played 282 games in a distinguished career at the Cats and Brisbane – he has agreed to play on in 2025 after playing five of the club’s final six games, taking his career tally to 171.
Kolodjashnij’s contract extension means the reliable defender should cruise past the 200-game milestone.
Raised in Tasmania, the 29-year-old has 198 games to his name after missing just one match in 2024, when he ranked in the top 25 in the AFL for spoils.
Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats marks the ball ahead of Dustin Martin.Credit: AFL Photos
The Cats announced the deals on Wednesday, also revealing that they had extended VFL regular Clohesy’s contract. He has played three AFL games.
“We are pleased Jake, Jed, Lawson and Ted have signed on and will remain at the Cats,” Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie said.
“Jake continues to be a vital player to our backline structure and has enjoyed another consistent season. Jed is a great club person and was a key part of the team in the backend of the season. With their experience and the way they approach their footy, both players play an important role for our emerging group of young players.”