With North’s 2018 season complete, North Media analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review and season highlights. Next up is the VFL-listed Nash Holmes.

Holmes’ season

Nash Holmes made a strong impression in his first season for North Melbourne’s VFL side.

The 21-year-old offered physicality beyond his years, earning a reputation as a hard-nosed midfield authority that made his presence felt in the heart of the Roos’ midfield.

Holmes was a contested bull for North and was often seen at the bottom of contested packs, primarily due to his willingness to dive at the footy irrespective of circumstance.

The strongly-built midfielder didn’t let a three-week injury forced lay-off derail his impressive season, successfully rehabbing an adductor injury to finish his season strongly.

Statistics

VFL

Games: 16
Disposals: 379 (23.70 average)
Tackles: 112 (7 average)

Season highlights

Round 3 v Frankston: 31 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles
Round 14 v Casey: 17 disposals, 20 tackles
Round 19 v Footscray: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 13 tackles

What he said

On leading a list of emerging youngsters
“I just try to play my role every week. As long as I’m doing my role for the team and we get the four points, that’s the main focus.

“We try hard every game and during the week to get better, trying to win a lot of that inside footy and get it to the outside players. It’s what we want to keep doing every week.

“We’re getting around the young kids to make sure they get involved with everything they can. They didn’t build Rome in a day, it will take time as we’re gelling together as a team.”

What the coach said – David Loader

"He was probably given more opportunity here than he’s been given in the past and that’s why he came across.

“We got that and we were certainly able to repay Nash for joining us in that area. He’s just 100 percent committed all the time, brutal in the contests and just never plays bad.”

In the news

“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.” – Read more

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