Jason Holmes Biography

Delisted ruckman Jason Holmes is determined to extend his four-year AFL career.

"I would love nothing more than to have another opportunity to try to compete at the highest level," Holmes said.

"I can offer any team just that security that if I am picked, or a ruck goes down and you need someone to come in and still battle with the big boys at the AFL level, that I'll be in there providing the ball to the midfielders and forwards and whoever else needs it."

St Kilda delist Jason Holmes, ending the American's four year stint at the club.

He became the first born and raised American to play in the AFL when he debuted against Geelong in round 21, 2015, finishing his career with five games albeit none in 2017.

"To play just one AFL match is an enormous achievement for someone who knew almost nothing of our game a few years ago," Saints coach Richardson said.

"His commitment to learning, improving, and to St Kilda, over the past four years has been outstanding and his strong character and personality has been an asset around the club.

"We wish him well for whatever the future holds and thank him for his contribution to the Saints."

St Kilda extends the contract of American-born ruckman Jason Holmes for another season and has upgraded him to the senior list for 2017.

"We're thrilled to have Jason commit to the club for another year as we think he's made great strides in his development over his three seasons at the Saints," St Kilda chief operating officer Ameet Bains said.

"Jason is a rapid learner and strong competitor, and is a valuable part of our talented ruck team."

Carlton's American rookie Matt Korcheck says countrymen Jason Holmes and Mason Cox inspired him to come to Australia and try to forge an AFL career.

"Jason Holmes, another American that came over was a big motivation and Mason Cox … those guys motivated me to get out here and try something new and really push myself," Korcheck told SEN radio.

Korcheck said his family was shocked when he told them he wanted to move to the other side of the world to play Australian rules football.

"I think when I brought it up with them at first they were like ‘what do you mean you want to move to Australia?’, and I said ‘I really want to do this’," he said.

"They’re really excited about it and know it’s a good opportunity for them to visit Australia now – they’re really happy about it."

Jason Holmes makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at Docklands Stadium with 7 disposals (2 kicks and 5 handballs), a mark, 3 tackles and 34 hitouts in a draw with Geelong.

The first time Jason Holmes was approached about an AFL career, the former US college basketballer noted the date.

"I had no clue what it was," he said.

"I think I'd seen it in Funny People and on ESPN2.

"But I hadn't realised what it was at the time.

"I literally got the call on April 1, so I thought it was a joke."

But the emails and messages kept coming, so Holmes figured he had better pay more serious attention.

Less than three years after switching to the sport, the 25-year-old St Kilda ruckman will make his senior debut on Saturday night against Geelong.

Holmes is the first American born-and-raised player.

Sanford Wheeler also played for the Sydney Swans from 1989-94, but he moved to Australia when he was five.

Holmes had to start from scratch in his 20s.

"It's one of the dreams they sell us when they try to get Americans over here," Holmes said of his trailblazing.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet and I understand it's a really big thing.

"But I'm just proud to be a cog in the machine that's going to help this sport grow internationally."

St Kilda rookie Jason Holmes will continue with the Saints in 2016 after signing a one-year contract extension.

"This whole experience has been a steep learning curve for me and I am feeling like I am improving as a footballer," Holmes said.

"The club has helped fast-track my learning of the game with detailed coaching and tuition, and I am grateful for the investment my coaches and teammates have made in me.

"My ultimate goal is to play at the highest level and I will continue to work as hard as I can to achieve that dream."

St Kilda say they are impressed with US rookie Jason Holmes' improvement in the short time he's been with the club.

"We've been delighted with the three weeks he's been at the football club with just how much he's improved his skill base in that short period of time through having daily access to skills training," head of football Chris Pelchen said.

"I think it's surprised most of our players just how athletic he is for a guy who's 202cm.

"While in American sport, particularly in basketball, we see guys of that height playing with that type of prowess regularly, it's still somewhat rare at AFL level to have someone with the degree of agility that Jason has."