Since joining the SUNS in the rookie draft, Nick Holman has gone about his business in an impressive manner.
The 22-year-old was given the chance to play in both the AFLX Tournament and the JLT Series during the pre-season, and it is an opportunity that he seized with both hands.
Now having successfully navigated his premiership season debut for Gold Coast, Holman wants to remain focused on cementing his spot in the 22.
What he needs to do to keep his spot is clear to him.
“It just comes back to playing my role,” Holman told SUNS TV.
“Whatever the coaches want me to do on game day and being able to execute that, not doing anything outrageous.”
This week he comes up against Carlton, the club that delisted him at the end of the 2015 season.
A lot has changed there since he left but he is excited to come up
Holman harbours no resentment towards the Blues and approaches Saturday’s game with a mixture of feelings.
“A little bit excited, a little bit nervous.
“I had a lot of good mates there, but I reckon once the first bounce happens, it will just be to play footy.
“From my draft year, probably Patrick Cripps. He’s obviously been an outstanding player in the AFL now.
“And Ciaran Byrne, the Irish fella, really looking forward to playing against them blokes.”
Holman has gone through plenty of ups and downs as a footballer but is keen to continue gaining the respect of his coaches and teammates.
When he runs out onto Etihad Stadium this weekend, he’ll have another chance to do so.
