Melbourne defender Kade Kolodjashnij is focusing on the insect repellent industry after concussion forced him into an early AFL retirement.

The 25-year-old played just two games for the Demons in 2019 and was unable to take the field this year.

The No.5 pick from the 2013 national draft played 78 games for the Gold Coast before he was traded to the Demons at the end of 2018.

His last game at AFL level was in round three, 2019.

“It’s disappointing it has turned out like this,” Kolodjashnij said.

“I think coming into the AFL system you don’t expect to be retiring at 25 years old, but I have been fortunate enough to be at two great clubs.

“Unfortunately concussion got the better of me over the last four years or so.”

Kolodjashnij says he has overcome his concussion symptoms and is now running his own business alongside his brother, focusing on natural insect repellent.

“I am back in a pretty good place now – I am exercising and feeling good physically and mentally,” Kolodjashnij said.

“During my football career, Jake and I invested in a family business which specialises in natural insect repellent.

“It’s going really well at the moment and we have been operating and trading for about 12 months now.”