GEELONG expects to open negotiations soon to extend forward Dan Menzel's time at the Cats.

The 25-year-old free agent needs to kick just one goal to reach 100 AFL majors, having reached the 50-game milestone in round 10 against Port Adelaide.

The Cats are understood to be keen to re-sign Menzel, who has made a remarkable comeback from four knee reconstructions.

He missed last week's game against Greater Western Sydney when he hurt his knee in the warm-up, but he has put together a fine season, kicking a goal in every game this season to sit equal 12th on the goalkicking table with 30.

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Menzel has played 32 of a possible 41 games since his comeback in round 22, 2015 and has kicked 67 goals during that period, however his injury history adds a layer of complexity to negotiations.

Cats list manager Stephen Wells told SEN on Wednesday the club had also started talks with out of contract defender Jake Kolodjashnij.

The 21-year-old has progressed well since making his debut in 2015,  playing 36 games as a defender.

Kolodjashnij had a delayed start to the season after suffering glandular fever and then experiencing groin problems, but he has been a good contributor since returning in round eight.

"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," Wells said.

"He's done that now and I think we'll sort that out pretty soon."