IF there has been one positive from Gold Coast’s horrific injury run, it is the opportunity for Launceston’s Kade Kolodjashnij to step up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 19-year-old, 26-game former rising star nominee has been one of the Suns’ ‘‘experienced’’ heads down back in the absence of Rory Thompson, Nick Malceski and the suspended Steven May.
An overflowing medical room, which has seen Dion Prestia join midfield stars Gary Ablett, David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara this week, has contributed to the Suns’ 1-7 start to the year in Rodney Eade’s first season in charge.
Despite this, Kolodjashnij is averaging 20 touches a game (up from his career average of 18), and has been more dangerous off half-back, including a career-best 13 marks last week against Collingwood, after struggling on the wing earlier in the year.
‘‘It has been a challenge this year and has been a great learning experience for me and a lot of the other younger boys as we have had to step up,’’ the fifth pick in the 2013 national draft told The Examiner.
‘‘My leadership on-field has really developed because of the fact we are so inexperienced down back, and I feel my game has improved because of that.
‘‘I have really enjoyed being able to step up and be more of a leader, and that has given me a lot of confidence.’’
F there has been one positive from Gold Coast’s horrific injury run, it is the opportunity for Launceston’s Kade Kolodjashnij to step up.
The 19-year-old, 26-game former rising star nominee has been one of the Suns’ ‘‘experienced’’ heads down back in the absence of Rory Thompson, Nick Malceski and the suspended Steven May.
An overflowing medical room, which has seen Dion Prestia join midfield stars Gary Ablett, David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara this week, has contributed to the Suns’ 1-7 start to the year in Rodney Eade’s first season in charge.
Despite this, Kolodjashnij is averaging 20 touches a game (up from his career average of 18), and has been more dangerous off half-back, including a career-best 13 marks last week against Collingwood, after struggling on the wing earlier in the year.
‘‘It has been a challenge this year and has been a great learning experience for me and a lot of the other younger boys as we have had to step up,’’ the fifth pick in the 2013 national draft told The Examiner.
‘‘My leadership on-field has really developed because of the fact we are so inexperienced down back, and I feel my game has improved because of that.
‘‘I have really enjoyed being able to step up and be more of a leader, and that has given me a lot of confidence.’’
