Gold Coast Suns

Justin Koschitzke

Date of Birth: 20/09/1982

Club: St Kilda FC

Games (Goals): 200 (247)

Recruited From: 2000 NAB AFL Draft, Pick 2 from Murray Bushrangers (TAC Cup)

Playing Honours:

  • AFL Rising Star 2001 
  • Pre-Season Premiership 2004 & 08

Taken one pick after fellow St Kilda legend, Nick Riewoldt, Justin was recruited to the Saints at the beginning of a list rebuild after the club had been vying for a Premiership during the late '90s. After being selected with the 2nd pick in the 2000 Draft, the Saints fans had great expectations as they looked to their young stars to rebound them back up the ladder. Justin did not disappoint playing 20 AFL Games in his first season and winning the AFL Rising Star Award.

Justin was the catalyst both on and off the field during the Saints successful seasons during the period of 2007 to 2011 as his fellow team mates would draw inspiration on the way he threw himself at each contest and had an appetite to do anything he could to win. Unfortunately the Saints could not achieve the ultimate prize as they fell agonisingly short in 2009 and 2010 to break the clubs Premiership drought. 

Enduring many big injuries over his career, some of which were well publicised, Justin had many difficult setbacks he had to overcome to get back to playing the football he believe he could. Ultimately it was these injuries that took there toll leading him to make the decision to retire in 2013. The lengths Justin had to go to in order to pass his final fitness test in order to play his 200th and final AFL game in essence summed up that is was hardly ever smooth sailing during his career.

Since retiring from AFL, Justin has taken up a full-time role with Ledified and is also working in the media where he has held roles with TRFM as there Breakfast Radio host, provided expert comments for AFL Live, and is also a weekly contributor for SEN 1116 and EON Radio. Justin has proved a natural in his media duties with being able to relate to the environment current day athletes find themselves in, as well as being able to tell many great anecdotes, whether that be in his media commitments or at Sportsman Night functions.