A WEEK out from returning to their home city, Gold Coast’s Launceston population were among the expansion side’s best in the big loss to Collingwood.
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Running defender Kade Kolodjashnij did what has come naturally in his 26-game AFL career, winning plenty of the ball off half-back.
The 19-year-old collected 23 touches at 83 per cent efficiency, a career-high 13 marks and six rebound 50s, and is averaging 20 touches a game.
He is equal 10th in the league for rebound 50s per game and equal 11th in total rebound 50s.
But for Jesse Lonergan the clash with the Magpies was more significant as it marked the first time in his 16-game career he has hit the 20-possession mark.
The 20-year-old, who again spent time in defence and played on Jamie Elliott as well as pushing up the ground, went at 75 per cent disposal efficiency and took eight marks (also a career best) and laid four tackles.
Also in action for the Suns were North Hobart defender Henry Schade, who had his hands full with Jesse White and Travis Cloke, Hobart’s Aaron Hall and Burnie’s Luke Russell.
Schade finished with eight touches and three tackles and Hall had just four touches and two tackles before he was subbed off in the third term for Russell, who had five handballs.
While Kolodjashnij and Lonergan both warmed up for Saturday’s Aurora Stadium clash with Hawthorn strongly, Devonport’s Grant Birchall ended the Hawks’ epic with Sydney on the bench with an injured ankle.
Before that final-quarter injury, which took place in a marking contest, he had collected 17 possessions at 77 per cent efficiency.
Burnie’s Maverick Weller was strong against West Coast, playing almost a defensive-forward role at times and limiting the output of Mark LeCras, while collecting 22 touches, five tackles and 2.0 (a career best) in the Saints’ loss.
Only his ball use (54 per cent disposal efficiency) let him down.
Eli Templeton, also of Burnie, finished with 11 possessions and 1.0, while Glenorchy’s Jimmy Webster was subbed off in the second term with concussion with 13 touches and five marks to his name.
Clarence’s Josh Green kicked two early goals in Brisbane’s loss to Essendon, and finished with 3.1 from 10 touches and three marks on Mark Baguley, while Lauderdale’s Mitch Robinson had 17 possessions, six marks and three tackles in the midfield and attack.
For the Bombers, Launceston’s Thomas Bellchambers won 28 hit-outs against Stefan Martin (27) and Matthew Leuenberger (five) and also had 12 possessions.
In Melbourne’s win over the Western Bulldogs, Wynyard’s Colin Garland had 18 possessions and took seven marks in defence, while Dodges Ferry’s Jeremy Howe played forward and kicked 1.1 from 18 touches and seven marks.
Clarence’s Jack Riewoldt was outstanding in Richmond’s upset of Port Adelaide, kicking 4.0 from 16 possessions and nine marks on Alipate Carlile.
The 26-year-old has 24 goals for the season and sits fifth on the Coleman Medal table, a medal he won in 2010 and 2012.
Launceston’s Jackson Thurlow again impressed as Geelong easily defeated Carlton on Friday night, finishing with 20 possessions (16 of them by foot) at 75 per cent disposal efficiency, with five rebound 50s and six marks.
It was another quiet night for West Moonah forward Liam Jones, who had just nine possessions and seven marks, with no scoreboard impact for the Blues.