It has taken almost two months, but boom recruit Kade Kolodjashnij says he is finally warming up to the famous Queensland heat. 

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks to adjust to the extreme humidity, especially from where I am from, but I am starting to get used to it,” Kolodjashnij told goldcoastfc.com.au. 

It has been an arduous start for the playing list this year, with temperatures across the Gold Coast having soared to as high as 41 degrees and 75% humidity. 

But while Kolodjashnij originally forecast the harsh conditions as a mental struggle, the promising half-back flanker says the rising mercy has done nothing but add another dimension to the club’s training program, a luxury not afforded to rival clubs in the southern states. 

“It’s consistently been over 33 degrees and high humidity levels,” Kolodjashnij said.

“It’s a lot hotter than Tassie, so it’s been challenging.”

“(But) I’m getting used to that and starting to adapt to it now.”

Although the first-year players have been managed appropriately by the club’s high performance team this pre-season, it hasn’t stopped the No. 5 draft pick from impressing on the training track. 

Since opening day, the 18-year-old defender has consistently top performed in the endurance tests, straying just behind time trial champions Dion Prestia and Jeremy Taylor.

Regardless, it is has been a fantastic summer debut for a player yet to complete his first pre-season. 

“It has been great training alongside those boys.”

“When I participate in the conditioning I try my best to stay in their group, which has really helped me push myself this summer.”

Kolodjashnij said a pre-Christmas chat to Guy McKenna had helped settle the nerves leading into his maiden AFL season. 

“Bluey (McKenna) just said just to pace myself this pre-season, and just to make the most out of every session.

“And really reiterated to just put my best foot forward this pre-season and hopefully put my hand up for a NAB Challenge match.”