The club’s raft of draftees flew into Coolangatta Airport overnight, ready to stamp their mark on the national competition, with 18-year-old Kolodjashnij looking forward to finally letting his elite skillset do the talking for him after much fanfare leading up to the 2013 AFL Draft.
“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season training and maintaining a strong fitness base,” he said.
The Gold Coast first overall selection, at pick 5, Kolodjashnij says he is still coming to terms he is an AFL-listed player.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, one minute you’re playing local footy and the next you’re drafted on AFL night. I’m just trying to take it as it comes.”
In a day of firsts, Monday’s introductory tour of the team’s training facilities also marked a special occasion for the elite Tasmanian, with Kolodjashnij separated from brother Jake for the first time, with his now AFL counterpart also settling into his new home in Geelong.
Kolodjashnij revealed it had been an emotional farewell, but says he is looking forward to reuniting with his family over the Christmas break.
“Yeah it was really tough saying goodbye but I will see my brother in four weeks which will be great.”
Leslie, who has played primarily in the ruck since his junior-playing days, says he’s looking forward to rejuvenating his football career as a key defender.
“I have been a ruckman for the past two years, as that has always been the only position I have been able to fulfil, but I’m looking forward to turning myself into a key defender,” Leslie said.
“I hate losing to my opponent and the physicality aspect of playing in defence, so it should be good.”
