Jason Holmes’ remarkable journey from Chicago to a foreign game in a foreign land will traverse a new chapter on Saturday, after the athletic ruckman was named for his first game of 2016 and just the fourth of his short career.
The American product was one of three changes ahead of this weekend’s game against Richmond at the MCG, with Jarryn Geary returning from a back injury and Jack Lonie recalled for his first senior game since the Round 15 loss to Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Key defender Sam Fisher (hamstring) and ruckman Tom Hickey (calf) were the two casualties from last weekend’s big loss at the hands of Sydney, while midfielder-forward Darren Minchington was left out of the 22.
Despite playing the final three games of 2015, after dazzling on debut against Geelong in Round 21, Holmes has been forced to bide his time in the VFL this season due to the stunning breakout year by Hickey.
The 26-year-old has been knocking on the door for some time now, having been named as a senior emergency across the last fortnight and on a handful of occasions this season.
But while Hickey has grasped the No. 1 mantle at the club this year, Holmes has shared the ruck responsibility at Sandringham with fellow ruckmen Lewis Pierce and Billy Longer, dividing his time between deep inside 50 and in the ruck.
Holmes will face in-form Richmond ruckman, Shaun Hampson, who has produced the best season of his career. The former Blues big man has grasped the No. 1 role from Ivan Maric and is averaging 33.4 hitouts (No. 5 in the AFL) from 18 games this year, as well as 10.4 hitouts to advantage (No. 5).
Ultra-reliable small defender Geary comes straight back in after being a late withdrawal last weekend. The 28-year-old tweaked his back in the indoor warm-up ahead of the game against Sydney, forcing Daniel McKenzie to be ushered into the side at the last minute.
McKenzie has held his spot in Alan Richardson’s side after the athletic utility showed some of his prowess across half back, particularly in the first half last Saturday night.
Livewire forward Lonie has worked his way back into the St Kilda forward line following a six week absence. After playing 17 games in his debut season last year, the classy left footer has added eight games this season. But with two games to go, Lonie has an opportunity to build some momentum into the pre-season and into 2017.
Richmond has won the last six encounters between the two sides, including the most recent clash by 16-points at Etihad Stadium in Round 16 last year.
The Tigers have won two of their last six games this season and were overrun by Geelong last Sunday, despite leading by six goals at the last change.
Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season
