Nick Holman will have one last run around the park in his 154th AFL game on Thursday night against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
After starting his journey at Carlton in 2014, where he played nine games before being delisted, Holman spent time in the SANFL before being picked up by the Gold Coast SUNS as a rookie. He made his club debut in Round 1, 2018.
“Never thought I'd play, or contribute. I came in and just wanted to give it my best, and ended up finding a spot, and it kind of all flowed on from there. It turned out to be what it did, which is pretty special.”
“It doesn't feel like too long ago that I was just coming in. I was 22, and I was like, ‘I'm going to be here for a while’. And just like that, I'm 31, and on my way out.”
Nick, who openly wears his heart on his sleeve, said it was important to him to be a reliable, trustworthy teammate that everyone loved playing and running out with. His teammates always knew he had their back, and Nick was happy to play different roles wherever the coaches needed him.
In 2021, Nick’s mother Kylie passed away, and he spoke about the support of his partner Ellen and his teammates, in particular Lachie Weller, Touk Miller, Alex Sexton, Brayden Fiorini and Harrison Wigg.
“They helped me through the hardest time of my life when Mum died, and they'd come down and support me. They looked after me for the better part of a year, and they continue to do so, show support, and I do that back.”
“How good is just being at this place and being able to form those relationships with people that you're going to have lifelong memories and good times with? It's pretty cool and pretty special, and that's one I'm very grateful for.”
Nick is happy to be going out on his own terms and to have a farewell game in his home state this week.
“Lots of emotions. I think it's going to be a big day and a big night. There's plenty of time to kill during the day before the 7.30pm start, so there'll be plenty of thinking time, a good chance to reflect, and time to spend with friends and family. One last time on the road.”
“I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a good day with family and friends there, and everyone who's supported me. There'll be plenty of people from home and some friends and family, so it's going to be good.”
An emotional Nick, who was running on minimal sleep and feeling anxious, gave his teammates one last piece of advice.
“Keep working hard. We've got all the talent, and it's just about putting it all together. Clearly, Dimma's system works. He's done it before.
“It goes quick. Everyone says it. It's a bit cliché, but it literally goes in the blink of an eye.
