The Gold Coast SUNS have been forced to make two changes to the side that defeated Essendon by 61 points on Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

Kade Kolodjashnij has overcome illness and will make the long flight west to face Fremantle on Saturday at Domain Stadium.

Kolodjashnij presented to hospital with abdominal pain late last week, forcing him to be a late withdrawal for the SUNS’ round one clash against Essendon but after successfully completing training on Thursday morning, the Tasmanian will take his place on the wing in Rodney Eade’s side.

“Kade just adds another layer of class with his ability to win one-on-one contests,” Eade told United Coaches Chat.

“He really stood up last year as being a leader so we’ll certainly welcome him back.”

Brandon Matera will also make his first appearance for 2016, returning to his home state after a solid performance in Gold Coast’s NEAFL practice match win over Brisbane on Saturday. The small forward played 19 games for the SUNS in 2015, averaging 15.2 disposals per game.

“Obviously with Matt Rosa and Touk Miller out, Kade’s a replacement for one but Brandon and Luke Russell both played very well last week so Brandon’s got the nod and hopefully he can work hard and obviously grab his chance,” Eade said.

As reported earlier on goldcoastfc.com.au, Touk Miller will miss his first senior game since arriving on the Gold Coast, sidelined with a minor ankle sprain suffered in the first quarter of the game against Essendon.

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Former Eagle Matt Rosa will also be absent, forced out of the round two clash with a corked calf. The 29-year-old was impressive in his SUNS debut last week, finishing with 32 disposals, and looks likely to be back to full fitness for round three.

Round 2 AFL Premiership Team

B: T. McKenzie, S. May, S. Lemmens
HB: A. Saad, R. Thompson, N. Malceski
C: K. Kolodjashnij, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: C. Ah Chee, T. Lynch, J. Martin
F: B. Matera, S. Day, C. Cameron
FOLL: T. Nicholls, M. Rischitelli, D. Prestia
INT: A. Sexton, A. Hall, J. Lonergan, R. Davis

EMG: L. Russell, K. Brooksby, M. Shaw

IN: B. Matera, K. Kolodjashnij
OUT: M. Rosa (calf), T. Miller (ankle)