Australian Football

Originally from the Bassendean Football Club, Don Holmes made his league debut for Swan Districts as a 19-year-old in 1978. He took a while to establish himself but eventually developed into an extremely useful player, whether roving or as an opportunistic half forward flanker. He was a member of Swans' losing Grand Final side of 1980 against South Fremantle, and in the winning Grand Finals of 1982, 1983 (both against Claremont) and 1984 (versus East Fremantle, when he booted five goals to be among the best players on view). His form in 1984 was exceptional, and he was chosen to represent Western Australia against South Australia that year at Football Park, a match which the visitors won by the narrowest of margins.

When the West Coast Eagles entered the VFL in 1987, Don Holmes was an inaugural squad member, and although he never quite managed to achieve regular selection in the team, he invariably did a creditable job when called upon. In three seasons with the Eagles he played 23 VFL games and kicked 40 goals, all the while continuing a simultaneous WAFL career with Swans. That WAFL career, which comprised 158 senior games and saw him amass 322 goals, came to an end in the best imaginable way when he helped his club to a 16.7 (103) to 10.17 (77) upset Grand Final victory over Claremont in 1990. Don Holmes' impact at Swans was formally recognised with inclusion in the club's official 'Team of the Century'.

Author - John Devaney