Gold Coast Suns veteran Nick Holman has announced he will retire at the end of season 2026.
The announcement comes following a career spanning 11 seasons and 154 games across Carlton and the Gold Coast Suns.
Drafted to Carlton, where he only played the nine games across two years, he was then picked up by the Gold Coast in the 2018 rookie draft. His 145 games since see him sit equal 12th on the club's all time games list, and featured 79 goals.
Holman informed his teammates on Monday morning of his decision to call time on his career and reflected on his time with the club.
“It's been a big couple of days with lots of emotions, but I'm proud of the fact I've given my all every day throughout the journey,” Holman said.
“I want to thank both the Gold Coast Suns and Carlton football clubs for giving me the chance to live out a childhood dream.
“To the Suns, thank you for taking the chance on me. I'm extremely grateful for this football club and I'd like to think I've repaid that faith as a player. This place is full of great people and it's been such an amazing place to come to work every day."
Gold Coast Suns Chief Executive Mark Evans thanked Holman for his incredible contributions to the football club.
“Nick's AFL journey, not only with the Suns but Carlton prior to arriving here on the Gold Coast, is a remarkable story of dedication and resilience and one that Nick and his family should be immensely proud of.
“Throughout nine seasons at the club, Nick has been the ultimate clubman, teammate and player. You would be hard-pressed to find a more committed player who would do anything for his teammates.
“He is universally loved and respected within the four walls of our football club and embodies everything that it means to be a Gold Coast Sun."
Suns Coach Damien Hardwick confirmed Holman would play a final match for the Suns on Thursday night against St Kilda.
“You don't hope with Nick, you know exactly what you're going to get week in, week out,” Hardwick said.
“That's why our club and our members and supporters love him so much. The way he attacks the ball, the way he gives 110% for this club every time he takes the field, that's something we can lean into, and more importantly, bring to the game this week.
“He is the quintessential role player. He sets a standard for our football club and the challenge for our group now is understanding that his legacy is the standards that he leaves behind.
“He's been a remarkable servant of our football club and hopefully we get the opportunity to celebrate one final win for him on Thursday night.”
