Launceston is Hawthorn’s second home, but the Gold Coast SUNS boast a strong connection with the Tasmanian city as well, so expect to see a sprinkle of red and gold in the crowd on Saturday.

Kade Kolodjashnij and Jesse Lonergan are both products of the Launceston Football Club, and each will play AFL in their home state for the first time on Saturday at Aurora Stadium.

Kolodjashnij – who supported the Hawks growing up – told The Examiner this week he was looking forward to going back to his old home, where he’ll have his parents, around 20 family members, and a contingent of his school friends supporting him from the stands.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to my home turf, as such, and playing in front of family and friends,” Kolodjashnij said.

“I always used to go and watch Hawthorn play down there at Aurora and it has always been a dream to play AFL footy on Aurora and to be able to do that this weekend will be unbelievable.”

Kolodjashnij will also be on the same field as the player he modelled himself on, a fellow left-footer in the form of Hawks half-back Grant Birchall.

“I used to watch him a fair bit when I was back home, and as we play the same sort of position, I just love the way he takes it and runs off half-back and I model my game on that.

“He also defends so well and he’s got a great balance between his offensive and defensive game, and I just try to implement that in my game, as well.”

Kolodjashnij was named the NAB AFL Rising Star in round 10, but the teenager knows he still has plenty of upside in his game.

“I’ve got these areas to work on, but every game I play I get more confidence and I start to back my ability a bit more, but every game I need to work on little things to become the best defender that I can be, like being right on your man, your running, spoiling, all that sort of stuff.”