2016 has been a tough year for Kade Kolodjashnij.
After avoiding the fabled ‘second-year blues’ last season to finish runner-up in the club’s best and fairest count, the Tasmanian has had multiple interruptions in his third season at the top level, making it difficult to build continuity.
Kolodjashnij was admitted to hospital prior to round one with abdominal pain and missed the SUNS’ round 10 game with the same complaint. To compound matters, the rebounding defender was knocked out in round 12 and was sidelined for two weeks with concussion.
“It’s been a pretty tough year, obviously going to hospital a couple of times and being knocked out as well,” Kolodjashnij told SUNS TV.
“I’m starting to get some continuity back now so hopefully I can finish off the year really well.”
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The 20-year-old played his best game for the year last week in Cairns, registering 23 disposals at nearly 80% efficiency and 10 marks across half-back.
His fitness is still a work in progress, with the hospital visits resulting in weight loss and fluctuating energy levels.
“Definitely still building. I lost a few kilos there when I was in hospital because I couldn’t really eat certain sort of foods,” Kolodjashnij said.
“But the last couple of weeks I’ve managed to put on a bit of weight and get my energy levels back up and starting to feel the effects on field as well. I’ve been able to cover the ground a lot better.”
This week shapes up as a big one for the SUNS with a chance to record a third-straight win at Metricon Stadium on offer.
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Gold Coast welcomes Fremantle to its home ground on Saturday afternoon and although the Dockers are placed 16th on the AFL ladder, it won’t be an easy task against last season’s minor premiers.
“It’s going to be a massive week this week,” Kolodjashnij said.
“Fremantle are travelling pretty well at the moment actually, they nearly knocked off Geelong last weekend so it’s going to be a tough game on the weekend.
“But we just need to prepare well, have a good week on the training track and take that into the weekend.”
