Coach wary of overloading Lemmens and Kolodjashnij after strong start
GOLD COAST coach Guy McKenna admits he's contemplating resting youngsters Kade Kolodjashnij and Sean Lemmens.
Wary of overexposing the pair in their debut campaigns, McKenna says he's set to be more conservative in his approach than he was last year with Jaeger O'Meara, who played all 22 matches in 2013.
Kolodjashnij has made six starts for the Suns since making his debut in round two against Fremantle.
South Australian product Lemmens has been ever present for the Suns in 2014, as McKenna's team has risen to fifth position with five wins and two losses going into this weekend's bye.
Taken at pick No.5 in last year's draft, 18-year-old Kolodjashnij picked up a career-high 25 disposals in the impressive 43-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Sunday.
But the Tasmanian also suffered a knock to his knee in the second quarter of the match, and will need the bye to regain fitness in time for the Suns' next fixture on the road against St Kilda.
McKenna says Lemmens was also looking fatigued following the Kangaroos' clash, and admits he'll be watching the fitness of both teenagers for the remainder of the campaign.
"Sean looked like his wheels were wobbling a little bit so we have to manage them - the bye has come at a good period," McKenna said.
"Kade did lose a bit of fitness around the NAB Cup when he had a tight hamstring ... playing against boys like he did last year compared to cracking in against men, so it does take its toll.
"We'll manage them like we have had to do in the past with our first-year players."
What will give Brisbane the edge when they meet their old foes, Adelaide, in a preliminary?
10:05
Full 2024 draft recap: Who came out on top?
Draft guru Cal Twomey teams up with Nat Edwards and Riley Beveridge to unpack all the winners and surprises from the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft
03:29
Roos explain shock pick swap, praise O’Sullivan
North Melbourne’s Will Thursfield offers insight into his club’s bold trade with Richmond and explains why No.2 pick Finn O’Sullivan is one to watch for fans
06:37
Tigers’ draft jackpot: What’s in store for 2025
Richmond’s Blair Hartley unpacks his club’s impressive draft haul and weighs in on No.1 pick Sam Lalor’s round one hopes