A VERY late inclusion to the AIS-AFL Academy, Kolodjashnij has not put a foot wrong in his draft year. The rise of the Tasmanian half-back/midfielder began on that tour of Europe in April, when recruiters started to see him blossom in the company of other players of his ability.
He took that confidence into the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, where he co-captained his state to the division two title. He was named an All Australian defender and was also a joint winner of the Harrison Medal, awarded to the best player in division two. Kolodjashnij, whose twin brother Jake is also vying to be drafted, has been a consistent performer across two seasons and is right among the best players of this draft pool.
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STRENGTHS
It doesn't take much for Kolodjashnij to impress. With a sidestep and silky left-foot pass, Kolodjashnij makes things look uncomplicated. Playing across half-back and on the wing, Kolodjashnij picks up a lot of the ball (he averaged almost 28 disposals across the championships) and delivers it precisely. Kolodjashnij plays with smarts and whenever the ball is in his area he finds a way to get it, or to help his team. He's also strong athletically, which he proved at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. He was ninth in the 3km time trial (10min 10sec) and won the standing vertical jump test (79cm). A natural footballer.
STRENGTHS
It doesn't take much for Kolodjashnij to impress. With a sidestep and silky left-foot pass, Kolodjashnij makes things look uncomplicated. Playing across half-back and on the wing, Kolodjashnij picks up a lot of the ball (he averaged almost 28 disposals across the championships) and delivers it precisely. Kolodjashnij plays with smarts and whenever the ball is in his area he finds a way to get it, or to help his team. He's also strong athletically, which he proved at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. He was ninth in the 3km time trial (10min 10sec) and won the standing vertical jump test (79cm). A natural footballer.
Late starter blossoms on European adventure
WEAKNESSES
Sometimes he isn't as clean below his knees as other players in the same draft range, but that's not too much of a concern. For his height Kolodjashnij could also probably add some more intercept marks to his game when he is stationed across half-back. He's a pretty complete prospect.
WEAKNESSES
Sometimes he isn't as clean below his knees as other players in the same draft range, but that's not too much of a concern. For his height Kolodjashnij could also probably add some more intercept marks to his game when he is stationed across half-back. He's a pretty complete prospect.
PLAYS LIKEKolodjashnij spent a week training at Hawthorn earlier this year as part of his AIS-AFL Academy scholarship, where he closely watched half-back Grant Birchall go through his paces. Kolodjashnij is very similar to his fellow Tasmanian in the way he rebounds out of defence and cuts through traffic.
DRAFT RANGE
Kolodjashnij is right near the top of the draft. He is set to be a top-five pick on Thursday night.
BOTTOM LINE
Tall, athletic and prolific, there's not a player like Kolodjashnij in this draft, which makes him highly sought after. With his rebound and run, Kolodjashnij can start a play as well as finish it.
DRAFT RANGE
Kolodjashnij is right near the top of the draft. He is set to be a top-five pick on Thursday night.
BOTTOM LINE
Tall, athletic and prolific, there's not a player like Kolodjashnij in this draft, which makes him highly sought after. With his rebound and run, Kolodjashnij can start a play as well as finish it.
