Holmes won 40 hit-outs, laid eight tackles and orchestrated an important goal assist to set up Trent Dennis-Lane in a performance placed among the Zebras’ best.
Speaking after the game, Holmes was elated with the victory.
“It’s great; the boys have played so well,” Holmes told SAINTS.com.au.
“It’s great to get Sandringham a finals win – it’s been about eight years since the last one I hear.”
MATCH REPORT: Sandringham through to semi-final
For Holmes, it’s been a steep learning curve in his first season of football, but the 24-year-old feels like he’s making progress thanks to the help of coaches and teammates alike.“I feel I’ve been tracking along well,” Holmes said.
“I’ve had so much support from guys such as Paul Hudson (development coach), Lewis Pierce, Billy Longer, Tom Hickey and Darren Jolly (ruck coach), who have helped me learn a lot. Now I’ve just got to get my endurance up.”
Holmes’ form hasn’t gone unnoticed around the club either, with senior coach Alan Richardson recently highlighting how far he has come in the space of just 11 months.
SCHNEIDERMAN: Jason Holmes
“We’re really pleased with the way Holmesy has been going, he’s embraced everything,” Richardson said.“We’re really excited by Holmesy for 2015, his ruck work has been strong this year but it’s been his football - reading the play and reading the flight of the footy that’s really progressed strongly over the last month.
“In fact, if it weren’t for the rule that you can’t elevate a rookie after Round 19, then he’d be a real chance to play [AFL].”
For Holmes, the goal for next year is to continue his improvement with the aim of making his debut and contributing towards St Kilda’s next era of success.
“It’s every footballers dream to play AFL and I know I’ve only been playing for a year now but it’s still my dream as well,” Holmes said.
“Whatever the team needs from me to help win, I will try and play that role.”
Jason Holmes looks for an option while Sam Dunell watches on. (Photo: Dave Savell)
In the meantime, Holmes still has unfinished business this season with Sandringham. The Zebras come up against Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday afternoon at 2:10pm, with a preliminary final on offer for the winner.
The 24-year-old will be one of up to 14 St Kilda-listed players who will take the field and he’s excited by the Zebras’ chances of progressing deeper into the finals.
“We get some of the boys back [from the senior team] and just some fresh legs, it will be interesting to see what happens as I feel as we have a good shot,” Holmes said.
“It was a good contest against Port Melbourne a few months ago but I think we have got enough to beat them.”
