Jimmy Bartel has signed a contract extension with the Cats, taking the veteran into a fifteenth season with the club. With 283 games under his belt, Bartel could become just the fourth Geelong player to reach the 300 game milestone.
A triple premiership player with the club, Bartel¹s list of achievements also includes the 2007 Brownlow medal. All-Australian selection in 2007 and 2008 and the 2011 Norm Smith medal.
Bartel played 11 games in 2015, recovering well from an early season knee injury.
Geelong¹s General Manager of Football Steve Hocking said the club is pleased Bartel will remain at the club.
“Jimmy played good consistent football this year and we expect more of the same in 2016,” Hocking said..
“He bounced back from injury well and can play a multitude of roles for us. He has shown that adaptability over the years and continues to do so.”
Bartel averaged over 25 possessions in the 10 games he played without injury (excluding Gold Coast game when he was injured in the opening minutes), and he equalled a career high with 41 disposals in round 15 against North Melbourne.
Originally from local Geelong club Bell Park, Bartel was drafted at pick 8 in the 2001 AFL draft and debuted for the Cats in round 1, 2002. He has booted 191 goals in his 283 games.