Geelong list manager Stephen Wells says the Cats are closing in on a new deal for emerging defender Jake Kolodjashnij.
The 21-year-old, who continues to go from strength-to-strength as a versatile backman, is in his fourth year at the club after being drafted third round, pick 41 in 2013.
“I met with his manager Anthony McConville today and things are going really well in terms of those discussions,” Wells told SEN Afternoons.
“He’s doing a good job for us, Jake, and we and his management just wanted to wait until he got back into the side after what was a slow start to the year because of illness.
“He’s done that now and I think we’ll sort that out pretty soon.”
The 193cm defender suffered a debilitating bout of glandular fever over the summer and did not make his season debut until Round 8. His form, alongside that of fellow defenders Jed Bews and Tom Stewart, has been a key to the side’s nine-win season.
Kolodjashnij’s name had been mentioned as possible trade bait as the future of Gary Ablett remains uncertain.
Kolodjashnij’s twin brother Kade is an established member of the Suns’ best 22.
Wells said the club was also looking to open discussions with Bews, whose contract expires in October, while impending unrestricted free agent Dan Menzel is also in the club's sights.
Menzel is on track to become the first Geelong mid-sized forward since Steve Johnson in 2010 to top 50 goals in a season.
The one-time gun recruiter turned list manager refused to comment on Ablett’s status, citing he was a contracted player at a rival club.