GOLD Coast is set to unleash its best runner to roam free up and down a wing this season.
Kade Kolodjashnij had a terrific debut season in 2014, and with a full pre-season on top of an already elite endurance base, will shift further afield from his half-back base from last year.
Former coach Guy McKenna used the teenage Tasmanian on a wing at stages - now new mentor Rodney Eade is set to release him on a more permanent basis.
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He might be one of the youngest, but Kolodjashnij frequently wins the Suns' 2km time trials - including the most recent two weeks ago - outstripping the likes of noted aerobic animals Dion Prestia, Alex Sexton and David Swallow.
"I've been playing wing in the match simulation at training, so I'll probably look to push a little bit more up the ground this year," Kolodjashnij told AFL.com.au.
"I should get more footy up the ground. A lot of my possessions last year were in the back half, so hopefully I can use my running ability to get up the ground and have more inside 50 opportunities."
While Brisbane Lion Lewis Taylor won the NAB Rising Star award and Western Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli scooped many of the headlines for first-year players, Kolodjashnij quietly went about compiling an excellent season.
He played 18 games, averaged 17 disposals and showed composure and assuredness not often seen in teenagers.
The 19-year-old is 190cm, making him a difficult match-up.
Long-kicking hard-running wingman are back in vogue, with premiers Hawthorn utilising Isaac Smith and Brad Hill as attacking weapons, as has Fremantle with Stephen Hill.
Although moving up the ground, Kolodjashnij said he had learnt plenty from Sydney Swans recruit and new vice-captain Nick Malceski in the past three months.
"He's really good with the feedback out there when you're under the pump," Kolodjashnij said.
"He's given me great tips on the track. We're similar players, both left footers, both rebounding half-backs. It's great to have him come in with his experience. He's been great for our group."
Kolodjashnij has had a strong pre-season and is hopeful of lining up against twin brother Jake when the Suns play Geelong in Townsville in their NAB Challenge opener on March 1.
