In the absence of Nick Malceski, and other more experienced defenders, second-year backman Kade Kolodjashnij has gone from strength to strength in the face of adversity this season.
 
With the injury curse clicking into gear in the last two months, the Tasmanian has been forced to fulfil a role that Rodney Eade and the coaching staff would not have planned earlier in the season. He has directed traffic from backwards of centre, in a quarterback role that is usually tailored to more experienced players.
 
Across the last month, Kolodjashnij has looked more assured with ball in hand, and more confident taking the difficult kick. The sort of option that is high risk, but high reward. And whilst he has grown as a player during a difficult time, his leadership development is what has struck Eade the most.
 
“It’s been terrific. He’s really grown in his leadership. He’s only a second year player and it’s interesting this week, out of the seven defenders, he’s going to be the most games played,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday night.
 
“So at 28 games, he’s going to be the leader of the backline. He’s really taken that on board, he’s really grown in that area.
 
“His form in the last four to six weeks has been really consistent, but his leadership has really grown as well so I’ve been really pleased with that.”
 
Another defender who has been forced to grow up in a short space of time is Henry Schade. The tall backman has sprouted from anonymity to a reliable selection in the key posts, with his application to his role standing out.
 
Eade identified two specific growth patches in Schade’s development since he begun at the club back in November, with his ability to fight back after being beaten early by dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes drawing praise from the veteran mentor.
 
“Probably twice that he’s had real growth. He struggled pre-season – he hadn’t played a senior game in three years. Since he came back at Christmas his training form has gone through the roof,” Eade said.
 
“And then again once he started to play senior footy, once he got his opportunity, he’s really spiked.
 
“(He was) probably down a little bit against Hawthorn. I thought he struggled a little bit, but that’s going to happen he’s only played five games. But we thought his form last week was quite encouraging.
 
“Adam Goodes got hold of him early, kicked a couple of goals, but after that for such a great player that Adam Goodes is, we thought 'Schadey' actually beat him after quarter-time.”