Welcome back to Season 2 of The Heart of It. We’re kicking things off with a very special guest — Geelong premiership player Jake Kolodjashnij.

Jake Kolodjashnij (or referred to as 'Dutchy' in the episode) is a premiership-winning Australian rules footballer celebrated for his calm composure, defensive reliability, and steady development into one of Geelong’s most trusted backline players. Born in 1995 and raised in Prospect (just outside of Launceston) Tasmania, Jake grew up surrounded by sport. He spent most of his childhood riding bikes and competing in various games alongside his twin brother, Kade, long before football became the focus.

Although he began in soccer and basketball, Jake didn’t pick up Australian rules football until the age of 12 — a late start that makes his rise even more remarkable. His talent quickly became obvious, and in 2013 he was selected by the Geelong Football Club with pick 41 in the AFL National Draft.

Standing at 193 cm, Jake established himself as a key defender known for his overhead marking, smart reading of the play, and ability to rebound from defence. One of the defining moments of his career came in 2022, when he became an AFL premiership player as part of Geelong’s dominant back-six unit.

This episode dives into Jake’s Tasmanian footy story — from local grounds and twin-brother rivalry to the elite pressure of AFL football and what it truly takes to stay grounded, consistent, and connected to the heart of the game.