When Podsiadly joined Geelong’s VFL list in 2009, having tried his luck at Essendon and Collingwood, it didn’t take the club long to realize that he had something they couldn’t ignore.

The first year he was at the club he captained the VFL side as well as working as a fitness coach. Not only did he win the club's best & fairest award that year, he was also the club’s leading goal-kicker, with 68 goals.

Geelong didn’t waste any time. As soon as the draft opened at the end of 2009 Podsiadly was selected at the age of 28 and put on the Cats AFL list, where he became one of Geelong’s most valuable and exciting forwards.

His first season was far beyond impressive and by round 2 against Port Adelaide he was in full flight. He dominated the scoreboard with five goals, kicking Geelong’s first and last as well as three in between.

In 2011 Podsiadly, who kicked a career best of eight goals against Brisbane Lions, continued to showcase his expertise in the Cats goal square. During that same year Podsiadly, who led Geelong’s goal kicking on 52, helped to guide the Cats to another Premiership Flag with his spectacular contested grabs and accuracy between the white posts.   

Over Podsiadly’s 88 games he has proved to be nothing less than an AFL star.

“He’s a great player that brings a lot of experience through VFL level to the club. He’s a great bloke that works very hard at the game and he hasn’t taken anything for granted,” Tom Hawkins told Cats TV.

“It’s a real honor to play beside him, he’s worked super hard to get where he is.”

Podsiadly will always be remembered for his large grabs, secure hands and his powerful kick for goal.

“It was pretty obvious that he could cut it because he’s just so strong and off the field he’s such a hard worker and very focused. And what he was able to do on the field in 2011 was just a great effort,” Andrew Mackie said.

“He’s a one-on-one contested marker, that’s his bread and butter really. I’ve seen him take some really strong grabs and when he’s up and about there’s no doubt he makes us a better team.”

Podsiadly's time at the Cats may have been short lived but his legacy will live on and he'll always be remembered as a very talented footballer who never gave up.