Rodney Eade’s first season at the helm of the Gold Coast SUNS has been one of education for a large group of inexperienced players. Some have been exposed to senior football in small doses, whilst some, like Kade Kolodjashnij, have been asked to bear responsibilities that bely their inexperience.
Kolodjashnij has played every game in his second season at the highest level, thriving on the increased duty, both in terms of pure football exploits and leadership expectations.
At different times earlier in the year, with Steven May suspended and Nick Malceski injured, out of necessity more than anything else, Kolodjashnij was required to elevate the leadership side of his game. A move the 20-year-old rebounding defender admits boosted his season.
“Obviously with Steven May and Nick Malceski injured at the start of the year. It really made me have to step up and be more of a leader down in the backline,” Kolodjashnij told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.
“I was probably one of the most experienced down there midway through the year, so that’s really helped my development from a leadership perspective. It’s really helped my year.”
The longer this season has worn on, and the deeper the injury toll has plummeted too, the greater the concern for individual player workloads.
The inability to provide first and second year players like Kolodjashnij, Adam Saad and Touk Miller with adequate respite has been a worry for a long time, with little resolution given the dire state of personnel affairs.
Despite having been asked to play every week – one of only two players with Miller – Kolodjashnij says he had learned from his previous mistakes when it comes to the best way to manage his body, particularly in the latter stages of an AFL season.
“I learned a lot last year. Last year I probably overdid it a bit. I got injured towards the end of last year and my form dropped off a bit,” Kolodjashnij said.
“I’ve really learnt from my first year just to get on top of my soreness early and just manage that so you’re right for game day.
“I’ve been lucky enough and fortunate enough to play every game this year along with Touk Miller. I’m really enjoying it. It’s been a tough year obviously with all the injuries we’ve had, but I’m really enjoying the exposure to AFL level.”
Kolodjashnij: Added responsibility a big benefit
Second-year star Kade Kolodjashnij believes the extra responsibility placed on his shoulders earlier in the year was highly beneficial for his development.
