The Gold Coast SUNS have snared Kade Kolodjashnij with selection No. 5 at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft on the Gold Coast this evening.

An athletic rebounding half-back/midfielder with a sleek left-foot, the Tasmanian teenager comes highly-sought after, following an impressive rise through the AFL U18 Championships where he co-captained his state to the Division Two title.

Awarded All-Australian selection and joint winner of the Harrison Medal, Kolodjashnij was named the best player in the competition.

A dangerous accumulator and highly efficient user of the football, the inside ball-winner averaged 28 disposals throughout the championships, showcasing his elite ability to find the football.

At the AFL Draft Combine, Kolodjashnij impressed recruiters with his athletic skill set, finishing ninth in the 3km time trial (10min 10sec) and winning the standing vertical jump test (79cm).

As part of the AIS-AFL Academy Program, Kolodjashnij spent a week training with Hawthorn mid-season, learning the tricks of the trade from fellow Tasmanian and dual premiership player Grant Birchall.

GC SUNS List & Strategy Manager – Scott Clayton, welcomed Kolodjashnij to the Gold Coast.

“Kade is an outstanding 191cm versatile player, with huge underpinning athletic attributes,” he said.

“He can play as a rebounding defender, in the midfield, and around goals.

“He had a fantastic season through the AIS-AFL Academy, and most best of all, wants to be the best player he can be.”

The Top 5 draftee becomes the fifth Tasmanian to join the GC SUNS playing list, with Aaron Hall, Luke Russell, Henry Schade and close friend Jesse Lonergan having also been drafted out of the Apple Isle.

As of Monday, Kolodjashnij and the club’s other two recruits will begin working closely with Guy McKenna and the rest of his coaching panel, before meeting the team on Monday 2 December when they return from the 2XU High Performance Camp in Arizona.