His twin brother, Jake, beat him in to the world, but Gold Coast SUNS defender Kade Kolodjashnij has gotten one up on his sibling with the 18-year-old set to make his AFL debut this Saturday against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

It should come as no surprise to see the younger of the brothers get a senior start first, given he was selected by the GC SUNS with pick five in last year’s draft; the highest spot for a Tasmanian draftee in 17 years.

Key defender Jake went lower down after Geelong used selection 35 to bring him to Simonds Stadium.

Kolodjashnij had his elevation to the 22 for the Dockers clash confirmed by coach Guy McKenna mid-week, while skipper Gary Ablett handed the teenager his No. 28 jumper for the match in a dressing room presentation.

Some hamstring tightness affected his preparation heading in to the start of the AFL season, but the rebounding half-back impressed in NEAFL trial matches against both Aspley and Southport. His performance against the Sharks was particularly eye-catching as he racked up 40-plus possessions in a commanding display, and the debutant hopes to take that form in to the seniors.

“I suppose it gave me some confidence playing some good games in the NEAFL,” Kolodjashnij said.

“It’s really helped me a lot just experiencing playing with senior bodies and getting some match fitness under belt, so it has been really good playing reserves.”

The left-footer joins an inexperienced SUNS backline going in to the Dockers’ first home game since going down to Hawthorn in last season’s decider at the MCG. Sean Lemmens and Clay Cameron both made their debuts in the 18-point win over Richmond, but holding the likes of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters at bay in Perth will be a different challenge, all together.

“There’s a couple of young blokes there as well, including me,” Kolodjashnij said

“I reckon we’ve just got to learn off the older blokes.

“We’ll just try to feed off them and play good footy.”

“It’s a long flight over to Fremantle, so it’s going to be good to get a taste of AFL footy against the best team, one of the best teams in the comp.

“(Mum and Dad are) flying over the day before the game and staying a couple of days, so it should be really good.  I think they’re really excited to watch me play my first AFL game.”