Reigning Liston trophy winner James Podsiadly has moved from Werribee to Geelong for the 2009 season and will play a key role with the Cats both on and off the field.

Podsiadly, with over 150 VFL games under his belt, will be a key on-field leader and will also join the Cats football department in the fitness area. And the 27 year old is excited by what lies ahead.

“This opportunity was too good to resist,” Podsiadly said.

“There was no way I could take the role in the strength and conditioning area and still play for Werribee, so while it was a tough choice in some ways it was important for me to advance my career off the field.

“To come and learn at a club like Geelong is a great opportunity and I am excited by way awaits me both on and off the field.”

Podsiadly is one of the VFL’s elite players. He spent two seasons with Essendon (2000-2001) before venturing to Collingwood for a season. He played three Wizard Cup matches with the Pies and spent the season with Williamstown at VFL level, and then moved to Werribee in 2003.

He played 109 games with Werribee and claimed the best and fairest this year to add to his 2005 award and won the Frosty Miller medal in ’05 as the VFL’s leading goal kicker. He was the Tigers skipper over the past two seasons and is a life member of the club.

Overall Podsiadly has played 166 VFL games (Essendon - 37, Williamstown - 20, Werribee - 109) and kicked 371 goals.