Holmes had played ONE NAB League game, as a bottom-ager, for 15 disposals. His athletic profile was well-known, but still, it was an inspired and gutsy decision by Wells to take him that early when most had him a lateor rookie pick.
So an inspired selection by Geesook and Wells? Either he/they had excellent intel beyond ours and others, or sheer great luck.
Still, what was not to like about him: 189cm, 83kg (now), played 12 games in 1st year including finals, 26 AFL games total, plays wing or can run through the middle, still only 19. He's tracking very well if not anywhere near elite yet but big upside visible with a big tank, high speed and sound skills.
Meanwhile PreEnders are still locked into an endless game of searching for signs whether RCD or Dow will make it ... and the jury is still out with having played far less AFL games with neither certain to be on the list in '23.
Maybe this pricked Well's attention:
- exciting athletic attributes being the son of dual Olympian and Commonwealth Gold Medallist Lee Naylor.
- The former Under 18 National 400-metre hurdles champion and keen sprinter obviously has pace to burn on the track, making for a handy starting point in terms of high-level attributes. He recently notched a 2.80-second 20-metre sprint time at the Vic Metro Draft Combine, only confirming his strength in that area. Combined with his endurance, Holmes is able to get to contest after contest and gain good separation from his opponent on the outer.
Sure he was regarded as a high or even rookie pick and Wells showed great adventurousness in this pick, but it's looking to pay off big time. So, like I said, an inspired pick ... but pedigree counts with draft selections (look at all the great F/Ss) and athleticism is all in today's hard running game.
central.rookieme.com