By Ben Carbonaro
James Podsiadly has sent shockwaves through the VFL by defecting from the Werribee Tigers and signing for Geelong.
The 2008 Liston Trophy winner failed to agree to a new contract offered by the Tigers, instead deciding to cross to Geelong who also offered him a strength and conditioning role.
Podsiadly is considered by many as one of the league’s best players and during his decorated six-year stint with the Tigers, he achieved many accolades that many a footballer could only dream about.
These included two club best and fairests, over 100 games for the Tigers, a Frosty Miller medal as the VFL’s leading goal kicker and representing his state on four occasions including one as vice-captain.
Reflecting on Podsiadly singing with the Cats, Tigers president John Nicol was disappointed with the star forward’s decision but wished him the best in his future endeavours.
“While the club is disappointed that such an outstanding contributor as James, who was recently made a life member, has made this decision to go to Geelong,” he told the Werribee Football Club website.
“We thanked him for his service to the club and wished him all the best for his future at Geelong and beyond.”
“Like all past players James is always welcome at Bartercard Oval.”
Some suggested that Podsiadly’s move to the Cats was football related but the man himself confirmed otherwise.
“"It was always about my career; playing for Werribee while working for Geelong in their strength and conditioning department was never going to happen," he told the Geelong Advertiser.
"I had sleepless nights before I decided to walk away from that footy club.”
The 28-year old said that the playing group at Werribee has been supportive after he announced his intensions of switching clubs.
"Obviously there were people who were disappointed I left, but 98 per cent of the players said they'd have done the same thing,” the veteran said.
Having the full forward part of the Cats line-up will help to offset the loss of former skipper James Byrne, who retired after a decorated VFL career including a Liston Trophy.
In other Geelong news, the Cats have appointed Dale Amos as its VFL coach for season 2009.
Amos replaces Leigh Tudor and joins the Cats on the back of unprecedented Geelong Football League success with South Barwon including a premiership hat-trick from 2005-7.
Last Modified on 13/01/2009 17:53