One of the VFL’s most promising young talents, Nash Holmes says that the opportunity to join North Melbourne’s VFL side in its first year was one that was too good to pass up.

A gun midfielder, he impressed many onlookers in his two seasons with Essendon’s VFL side, and was touted as a potential draftee until an ankle injury plagued his 2017 season.

“The opportunity to join North in its first year in the VFL was a hard one to turn down,” Holmes told North Media.

“David Loader (coach) rang me and asked me to come down and give it a crack, and I’ve been down here a few weeks now and really enjoying pre-season.”

Being a part of North’s first VFL side wasn’t the only lure for Holmes.

An emerging group set to provide plenty of opportunity for development.

“The young list at AFL and VFL level is exciting, so I’m looking forward to the season and giving it a crack.”

Transitioning from one AFL-affiliated VFL team to another has made the transition relatively smooth for Holmes.

“Both clubs (Essendon and North Melbourne) are similar in ways,” he said.

“What I’ve noticed at North is the boys are really welcoming and get around you a lot, and it feels like the VFL and AFL boys will be one big group and be really close, which is great.”

Holmes believes that the VFL recruiters have put together a strong list, and that North can have a big impact in its first year in the VFL

“It’s a really exciting list. There’s a good mix of experienced players and young players, do I think we can have a good year,” he added.

And what North fans can expect from Holmes?

“I’m looking for more time in the midfield, but also have the ability to go forward a bit and hit the scoreboard.”