Opportunity starved ruckman Jason Holmes admits being forced to wait his turn has been tough to deal with, but admits it’s a ‘problem any team wants’ to have.

The American recruit played his first senior game in almost 12 months on Saturday, thriving in the absence of St Kilda No. 1 Tom Hickey against in-form Richmond ruckman, Shaun Hampson.

Holmes, 26, registered 25 hitouts to Hampson’s 22 and led St Kilda to a sizeable hitouts win (+10), as well as collecting three clearances, three tackles and 16.2 pressure points.

“It feels good. It was almost this time last year, but that’s due in part because Hickey’s been playing so great this year and the boys have been going so well,” Holmes told saints.com.au after Saturday’s nine-point win over Richmond at the MCG.

“That’s a tough problem to have but it’s a problem any team wants. I’ve just been working on my game all year and trying to become better.

Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season

“I thought the first half was a bit slow for me but I started to get a feel for how to take advantage of what he does and exploit him a bit. So I felt pretty good.”

Holmes said the ruck situation at Linen House Centre, with Lewis Pierce, Billy Longer and himself all competing with Hickey for one spot, isn’t as frustrating as it seems, as long as you apply the suitable mindset.

“You make it work; you just improve. You want the best for your teammates no matter who they are,” Holmes said.

“I love watching Hickey go out there and play well every day. I want the best for everyone, so it isn’t as frustrating as it would seem, if you have the right mindset.”

Bid on a Jayco motor home, inner sanctum experiences, memorabilia and MUCH more in the annual Saints Auction