Defence key to axed duo’s return

GOLD Coast NEAFL coach Nick Malceski says improving the defensive facets of their game will put demoted Suns Aaron Hall and Kade Kolodjashnij back on the path to senior selection.

Malceski said he was pleased with the response from both players in the reserves’ 12.11 (83) to 5.6 (36) loss to the Brisbane Lions on Sunday after being axed from the AFL side for the QClash.

“Hally was good. He led our contested footy and our disposals (24),” he said.

“He played inside and a little at half-forward. It was a good response from him and then Kolo did a good defensive role on Tom Bell when he was forward, which was pleasing for him. We will see what happens with selection this week.”

Malceski said the message to both players was simple, be part of the 18-man defence new senior coach Stuart Dew has based his footy foundations on or risk staying absent from AFL.

“We just want them to get back to their best footy. Aaron plays his best when he is defending well, he gets his attack from his defence,” Malceski said. “We want him to work on that stuff and it’s the same with Kolo.”