Emerging St Kilda ruckman Jason Holmes says his senior exposure in the last three games of last season ignited his pre-season campaign, not only driving him each day to get better, but also opening his eyes to what is expected at the highest level.
The American import was a fairy tale story in the closing chapter of 2015, with the 203cm athletic giant collecting 34 hitouts on debut against Geelong in Round 21.
“It has (fuelled pre-season). It’s given me an idea of what to expect,” Holmes told saints.com.au following St Kilda’s intra-club match at Trevor Barker Oval.
“It’s a totally different pace and level when you go to the big stage. So it was really good to get an idea of what footy looks like at that level and what I’m expected to do.”
With No. 1 ruckman Billy Longer on a modified program during the summer due to post-season shoulder surgery, the ruck department in Seaford has enjoyed a near flawless pre-season, going to work on each other each day.
Longer has still been involved in the bulk of the pre-season, and along with Holmes, Tom Hickey and Lewis Pierce, the competition for spots has been highly beneficial for all four ruckmen.
“It’s amazing. We go in every day and every day is like a game. Everyone’s trying to play, everyone wants to play with Saints and wear the jumper its really helpful to have four healthy ruckmen and it helps the team as well because the healthier we are the better we can be,” Holmes said.
After another long, arduous pre-season, the finishing line is in sight for not only Holmes but the entire competition. Across the last four months, the Chicago product has focused on broadening his repertoire, improving his game when the ball hits the ground.
“Probably just to add a few more strings I guess – to really follow up more around the ball. With my ruckwork, keep improving at that but then to be able to lay tackles and work as an inside midfielder as well,” he said.
Former NBL legend and Philadelphia 76ers basketballer Mark Bradtke ventured down to Linen House Centre last week and provided the ruck department with a different perspective on how to go about their business. For Holmes, thinking about how to best use his feet was the lesson learnt.
“(It was) a lot about foot work and just protecting space. What I got out of it especially was just getting off my heels. When I play in front I rock back on my heels and it’s good to get on the balls of my feet when I’m in those positions,” he said.
