Gold Coast young gun Kade Kolodjashnij is set to make his return to AFL football this weekend, with the exciting teenager named in an extended 25-man squad ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium.
The 18-year-old Tassie terrier was an absentee in the side’s 38-point win over St. Kilda due to a minor knee complaint, but has benefited from a week on the sidelines.
Taken with the club’s first selection in last year’s national draft (pick No. 5, overall), Kolodjashnij has made a sizeable impact at the highest level, averaging 20 disposals in his six AFL starts this season; the highest of any of this year’s NAB AFL Rising Star-eligible players.
While he is yet to be recognised with a nomination for the award, his candidacy for the highly-respected gong shouldn’t be too far away. In his most recent performance against North Melbourne, Kolodjashnij showed his polish with a 25-disposal, five-mark performance.
After completing Thursday’s main training session without a hitch, GC SUNS General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, told goldcoastfc.com.au Kolodjashnij was ready to return to the senior team.
“Kade has shown in his performances this year that he is more than capable of matching it with the bigger, more hardened bodies at AFL level,” Ashcroft said.
“We are confident he will acquit himself well and make a steady contribution to the side.”
If named in the final 22, Luke Russell will become the twelfth player to play 50 games with the Gold Coast SUNS, a terrific accomplishment for the talented swingman according to Ashcroft.
“It’s a fantastic reward for effort to see Luke on the verge of celebrating 50 AFL appearances, given his journey over the past four seasons,” he said.
“He has overcome many challenges that have been put in his way, and I’m sure the boys will want to help Luke celebrate his milestone match.”
Jarrod Harbrow, who played 70 games for the Western Bulldogs between 2007 & 2010 said he was looking forward to taking on the Doggies at home.
“Its great to be back at home this week, we are celebrating Family Day at the game with plenty of activities for the kids around the ground, hopefully we can put in other exciting performance for the fans.
“The Doggies provide another challenge for us and we know it will be another tough match," Harbrow said.
Defenders Jack Hutchins and Jeremy Taylor have also been named on an extended interchange bench, and remain a chance of winning a round ten selection.
goldcoastfc.com.au will confirm the senior team to members and fans at 5pm on Friday once it has been finalised with the AFL.
Round 10 AFL Premiership Team
B: K. Kolodjashnij, S. May, G. Broughton
HB: S. Lemmens, R. Thompson, T. McKenzie
C: J. Harbrow, G. Ablett, M. Rischitelli
HF: A. Hall, T. Lynch, D. Stanley
F: C. Dixon, S. Day, B. Matera
R: Z Smith, J. O’Meara, D. Prestia
INT: M. Shaw, J. Hutchins, A. Sexton, L. Russell, D. Swallow, J. Taylor, H. Bennell
In: Kolodjashnij, Hutchins, Taylor
Out: TBC
