THE GROWTH of Kade Kolodjashnij was a major positive to come from a difficult 2015 season at the Gold Coast SUNS.

The Tasmanian avoided the dreaded second-year-blues to be one of the SUNS’ most consistent performers across the year, averaging 22.3 disposals per game at an efficiency rate of 75.1 per cent, to go with 4.5 rebound 50s and the most accumulated territory at the club with 7914 metres.

It earned Kolodjashnij a runner-up finish behind Tom Lynch in the club’s best and fairest, an impressive feat for a player with just 40 AFL games next to his name.

At times during the season, Kolodjashnij was thrown completely in the deep end, given jobs by his senior coach that would have kept some players awake at night.

The 20-year-old was often left to marshal a back-six of which he was the most experienced member. It’s something unheard of in AFL circles.

Whilst such responsibility came with significant pressure, the young gun took it in his stride, performing his role for the team with aplomb.

Kolodjashnij now reflects back on his harsh initiation with a sense of pride, crediting it for developing his leadership capabilities during a trying period.

“It definitely helped me a lot with my leadership side of things,” Kolodjashnij told SUNS TV.

“Obviously it was pretty disappointing having all them injuries but it really helped me come out of my shell and really develop as a leader and I’m still trying to continue to do that.

“It was definitely beneficial on my side of things but hopefully we can get a few boys out on the park this year and not do that again.”

Where it all began: Kolodjashnij selected with Pick No. 5 in the 2013 National Draft

With the 2015 chapter in the book of the Gold Coast SUNS well and truly closed, there is a sense of excitement in the ranks, particularly among the defenders at the club.

Key pillars Steven May and Rory Thompson have both had strong pre-season campaigns with May being elevated to a vice-captaincy role in January.

2014 All Australian Nick Malceski has put the minor niggles that plagued him in 2015 behind him and is determined to recapture the form that placed him in the upper echelon of halfbacks across the competition.

Add another pre-season for rookie revelation Adam Saad, a fully-fit Jarrod Harbrow, a resurgent Trent McKenzie and the likes of Henry Schade, Jack Leslie and Seb Tape waiting in the wings and on-paper, the SUNS have a defensive unit capable of matching it with the best forward lines in the AFL.

Kolodjashnij revealed most of the group had completed the pre-season together and the understanding amongst the defenders was the best it’s been.

“Most of the boys have done the full pre-season so really growing that chemistry throughout training,” Kolodjashnij said.

“(I’m) really looking forward to playing alongside those boys this year and the years to come.”

A rare 2015 highlight: Kolodjashnij celebrates a goal in the win over the Kangaroos

Over the off-season, the SUNS made a plethora of changes across the football department, bringing in Elite Performance Director Justin Cordy and a host of new high performance staff.

The club also introduced new coaching staff with Max Rooke, Aaron Rogers and Stephen Daniel all joining the development ranks under Head of Development Matthew Lappin.

Kolodjashnij paid tribute to the new members of staff, crediting them with fast-tracking the development of the playing group.

The Tasmanian’s pre-season focus of improving his strength and power has already paid solid dividends and should translate into him being a more-rounded player on the field.

“I’ve done a fair bit of work with Zane [Leonard], the strength coach at our club. He’s been great for me in the gym,” he said.

“I’ve definitely benefitted from all those extras behind the scenes, in the gym, out on the field, it’s really helped my transition.

“It’s been good. Obviously still have a bit of improvement in that area but yeah, positive signs.”

The finishing line of every AFL player’s pre-season, round one of the season proper, is closing in with just 17 days to go until the season opener.

While there’s still one more round of the NAB Challenge series to go with the SUNS taking on Adelaide on Friday night, the priority for players and coaches alike remains that first game for premiership points and Kolodjashnij couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Can’t wait,” he said.

“It’s been a long pre-season so really looking forward to getting out there round one and giving it my best shot.”

With the rebounding defender now committed to the SUNS for the next three seasons, Gold Coast fans and members should be looking forward to it too.

GC SUNS members and fans will be hoping to see plenty of this at Metricon Stadium in 2016