Bartel had a stellar career that saw him claim a Brownlow medal, the Norm Smith medal and the Jim Stynes award for community service over his 15-season career.

 He played 305 games.
 
"I wanted to take my time once the season finished before I made this decision,” Bartel said.
   
"I'm sure the club will continue to have success and look forward to bringing my family to Kardinia Park and seeing the many young players fulfil their potential in the coming years."
 
Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott paid tribute to Bartel. 
 
“Jimmy is the embodiment of what a footballer should be,” Scott said.
 
“He was fearless, could play multiple roles for the good of the team and was adaptable in a changing game. Jimmy will rightly go down as an icon of the Geelong Football Club, and he has left a lasting mark on all those that he has played with over the past 15 seasons.
 
“Jimmy was always prepared and as history has shown, he was at his best in the biggest moments and the biggest games.”
 
Jimmy Bartel through the years
 
·         Selected by the Cats with the 8th pick in the 2001 national draft
·         Debuted in round 1, 2002 against Essendon at MCG
·         Member of 2007, 2009, 2011 premiership teams
·         Member of 2006, 2009 NAB Cup winning teams
·         Won 2007 Brownlow medal with 29 votes
·         Won 2011 Norm Smith medal
·         Won 2016 Jim Stynes award
·         All Australian 2007, 2008
·         Runner up Geelong best & fairest 2006, 2007
·         Third Geelong best & fairest 2008, 2009, 2011
·         Played a club record 28 finals matches
·         Played 305 games and kicked 202 goals