The prospect of playing finals for the first time this season may have been off the radar for some time now, but with an eye to next year, Gold Coast defender Kade Kolodjashnij says it’s important for the SUNS to finish this year on the right note to build a launching pad for 2016.
 
In just their third victory for this campaign, Gold Coast was forced to win ugly in a scrappy affair in Saturday night’s QClash at the Gabba. With premiership points hard to come by this season, any win is a good win.
 
As one of only two players (Touk Miller is the other) this season to play every game, Kolodjashnij has been a picture of consistency this season, averaging 21.7 possessions per game and 4.3 rebound 50s.  Against Brisbane, Kolodjashnij’s night was indicative of the SUNS. He battled through to make a contribution on a night that didn’t allow him to play with his usual run and carry.
 
“We definitely want to have another good four weeks leading into next year. We’ve got our sights set on playing finals next year, so we want to finish off this year really strong,” Kolodjashnij told SUNS RAW after Gold Coast’s win on Saturday night.
 
“It was tough. It probably wasn’t one of those days where you run off and get metres gained. It was a good effort by the back six and by the whole team, we really stuck in there and played as a team and got the four points.”
 
For just the second time this season, a date on the MCG awaits Rodney Eade’s side. With an eight-day break between fixtures, an opportunity to freshen up ahead of the final month presents itself. And the lure of facing Richmond on Australia’s colosseum has Kolodjashnij excited.
 
“It will probably be a bit lighter on the legs early in the week. We’re really looking forward to getting down to Melbourne on the big stage at the MCG and taking on a quality team in Richmond,” he said.