Over the next 30 days, they'll hand pick 30 fit-for-purpose players for your starting NAB AFL Fantasy squad.
We begin with the best backline options and finish with the cream of the midfield crop. Today, it's a Tasmanian who dominated last year's Under-18 Championships and seems set for plenty of time in the sun.
Taken by Gold Coast with pick No. 5 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Kolodjashnij co-captained Tasmania to the Division Two title at last year’s Under-18 Championships and he enjoyed a successful season for Launceston in the Tasmanian State League.The half-back averaged 27 disposals during the championships and was awarded the Harrison Medal as the best of the division two players.
Fantasy lock-ins: defenders
- Jeremy Laidler (Sydney Swans)- Matthew Fuller (Western Bulldogs)
His stats over the championships saw him average the second most Fantasy points of any player with 106. As these are shortened games, this is the equivalent of over 135 points per 100 minutes.
With his ability to win the ball and high efficiency rating, the left-footer has been likened to fellow Tasmanian Grant Birchall.
If his numbers across his career are anything to go by, Kolodjashnij will be an AFL Fantasy star for years to come.
Kolodjashnij rated highly at the Draft Combine in October. In the vertical jump test he recorded the highest result of any player.
He also made an immediate impression when he started at the Suns, leading the draftees in the 2km time trial.
From all reports he is settling in well at his new club and his endurance and athletic ability sees him settling in well amongst experienced AFL players.
His excellent endurance may keep him away from the dreaded substitute's vest, a must for contenders in our Fantasy team.
With a couple of seasons of state senior football under his belt and a great start to his pre-season on the Gold Coast, Kolodjashnij will be putting his hand up for NAB Challenge games and working towards a place in the Suns’ best 22.
LOCKABILITY: 3/5
Due to price premiums put on the top rookies in 2014, paying over $250,000 for a first year player is a big call.
We see Kolodjashnij as one of the rookies with the best opportunities to play this season and based on his junior numbers, he should score relatively well for a cheaper defender.
At this stage he is in our team as the sixth defender and at this price, he needs to be on the field - otherwise it’s a lot of money tied up on the bench.
If he impresses in the NAB Challenge and looks set to get early games, then he’s in for us.
Tomorrow Roy adds a Hawk who missed all of 2013 through injury and, as a result, is a bargain this year. Check out #AFL Fantasy on Twitter or follow @WarnieDT and the official account @AFLFantasy.
The pre-season AFL Record is the complete guide to the new-look NAB AFL Fantasy football competition. AFL Fantasy experts Warnie, Roy and Calvin (aka The Traders) detail everything you need to know about Fantasy football. There are Fantasy prices and profiles of every player. The 124-page pre-season Record will be on sale at newsagents nationally from February 7 for $9.95.
