Gold Coast notched a 23-point win over St Kilda in the Suns’ last game of the season, with the retiring Holman front and centre on Thursday evening at Marvel Stadium with two goals and 15 disposals.
Each moment Holman impacted was met warmly by teammates and supporters alike as his 13-year career, starting with Carlton and ending at the Suns, drew to a close.
On his return to the rooms post-game, an emotional Holman belted out the song one final time.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Holman told Fox Footy after the game.
“When I saw the family, I had a bit of a cry.
“I feel like I could keep going and it’s going to be hard to leave, I just love the place and they’ve given me so much.
“It’s been a hell of a journey, I never thought it would be this long and I’d be playing at 31.”
After a decorated junior career, Holman was taken by Carlton in the 2013 AFL Draft and played nine games before being delisted at the end of the 2015 season.
It was at this juncture that his grit and determination was on display, plying his trade in the SANFL with Central Districts before Gold Coast offered him a spot in 2018.
Since then, he’s become a respected clubman and one of the Suns most reliable players – so what now in retirement?
“Put on a bit of a gut and just relax a bit I reckon,” he joked.
“I’m not too sure, I’ve got a few business opportunities, we’ll see what happens.
“I’m pretty keen to play with my brother back at our local club, the last game we played together was a premiership at Kyabram.”
Meanwhile, a mix of local exports are celebrating and commiserating in equal measure.
Local product Steele Sidebottom will prepare for the AFL’s controversial wildcard round, with Friday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs to determine if Sidebottom’s career extends another week.
Meanwhile, Shepparton exports Jordan Butts, Josh Rachele, and Oscar Ryan are destined for finals with Adelaide scraping into sixth, while Swans product Jarman Impey and Benalla’s Harry Morrison will be on the plane to Perth for the first Qualifying Final against Fremantle.
Shepparton’s Lachie Ash won’t take part in 2026 finals with GWS missing out, but finished his campaign on a strong note with a 26-disposal outing in the Giants’ defeat to Adelaide.
Fellow Bears export Jack Whitlock sunk the dagger into Essendon in Port Adelaide’s last game, his second and final goal of the game helping the Power to a 10-point win.
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