Jason Holmes signs for another year.

[kosifantutti]

http://m.saints.com.au/news/2015-07-30/ ... n-for-2016

[bergholt]

http://m.saints.com.au/news/2015-07-30/ ... n-for-2016

They say Billings's injury has opened the door for an AFL debut. Pretty rough on Hickey if Longer goes out and Holmes comes in!

[Beno88]

http://m.saints.com.au/news/2015-07-30/ ... n-for-2016

They say Billings's injury has opened the door for an AFL debut. Pretty rough on Hickey if Longer goes out and Holmes comes in!

Holmes has been significantly better than Hickey at VFL level this year.

[saintspremiers]

Throw him up against Sandi when we play Freo. Good iniation against one of the top teams to give him a feel as to what it's like.

[magnifisaint]

I reckon they will play him in the last game of the year against Natanui. No one else would be able out jump Natanui, but I think Holmes will give him a run for his money.

[satchmo]

I reckon they will play him in the last game of the year against Natanui. No one else would be able out jump Natanui, but I think Holmes will give him a run for his money.

Stanley did.

[bigcarl]

Who would want to be an AFL ruckman?

Room for only one per side even for good footballers unless you're extremely versatile. Far better to be born a run of the mill mid or half back flanker

Good luck to Jason, though. Apparently a big improver

[8856brother]

http://m.saints.com.au/news/2015-07-30/ ... n-for-2016

They say Billings's injury has opened the door for an AFL debut. Pretty rough on Hickey if Longer goes out and Holmes comes in!

Holmes has been significantly better than Hickey at VFL level this year.

Only because he's been played in the ruck and Hickey in the F50. Change that around and Hickey would be miles ahead sorry.

[stkfc1]

Well done Mr Holmes. Always had a feeling this guy had a 'good story' vibe going on. Dont be surprised if we shop Hickey around over the off season to see who bites. Carlisle is the first one that comes to mind as Bombers desperate for a ruckman but too many issues there. Shame as he would be perfect for our backline. Maybe GWS? Mummy injury prone. Get a homesick kid not getting a run. Any suggestions?

[plugger66]

Well done Mr Holmes. Always had a feeling this guy had a 'good story' vibe going on. Dont be surprised if we shop Hickey around over the off season to see who bites. Carlisle is the first one that comes to mind as Bombers desperate for a ruckman but too many issues there. Shame as he would be perfect for our backline. Maybe GWS? Mummy injury prone. Get a homesick kid not getting a run. Any suggestions?

I would go with Carlisle if it was slightly possible. I doubt the Essendon players will get to much of a penalty even if they are found guilty. Worth the punt.

[saynta]

Richo said recently that Longer and Hickey were our long term rucks.

[plugger66]

Richo said recently that Longer and Hickey were our long term rucks.

He can say that but if we get a good offer or Hickey wants to leave, which maybe be likely, then we will let Hickey go I would think. You don't have someone that maybe as valuable as Hickey losing value at sandy.

[Sainternist]

For at least another year, the good times and Boogie Nights will keep on a rolling!

[jimmy_slats]

so dose this mean he will be a primary listed player next year?

[borderbarry]

Good work Jason.

[saintspremiers]

so dose this mean he will be a primary listed player next year?

You'd think so

[bergholt]

so dose this mean he will be a primary listed player next year?

You'd think so

Why? You can have three years on the rookie list without breaking any rules. Having four rucks on the primary list would seem a bit ridiculous, and even if Pierce is demoted, I don't really see why it would be any use promoting Holmes.

[FQF]

I think Hickey will be pursued by Essendon - just a hunch. Would be a shame as he's got talent, but that's the thing about such a specialist position. Hopefully we can extract good value back.

[bergsone]

Where does that leave Pierce.Any sandi watchers think he will make it,or maybe too early to make a call.To me Longer,Hickey,Holmes and Pierce seems 1 too many

[FQF]

Where does that leave Pierce.Any sandi watchers think he will make it,or maybe too early to make a call.To me Longer,Hickey,Holmes and Pierce seems 1 too many

I believe the consensus is that Pierce has potential but is (still) no where near ready. That's probably a good thing for us because it's allowing him to progress at his own pace without pressure to speed it up. Anything can happen and you always want to have 3 rucks on the list, so he is definitely not surplus.

[stkfc1]

so dose this mean he will be a primary listed player next year?

You'd think so

Why? You can have three years on the rookie list without breaking any rules. Having four rucks on the primary list would seem a bit ridiculous, and even if Pierce is demoted, I don't really see why it would be any use promoting Holmes.

It's definitely one too many. Which is why Hickey could well end up trade bait.

[ace]

Who would want to be an AFL ruckman?

Room for only one per side even for good footballers unless you're extremely versatile. Far better to be born a run of the mill mid or half back flanker

Good luck to Jason, though. Apparently a big improver

Easy to fix if the AFL are serious.
Rule number 1,000,001 the same player can not be the ruckman at consecutive centre bounces.
Forces clubs to alternate ruckmen at centre bounces.

[Munga]

In a perfect world we'd have Pierce on the Rookie list and Holmes elevated. He can mark, kick, tackle, ruck. Just needs the experience and education. He'll get there a lot quicker than most.

[ace]

Who would want to be an AFL ruckman?

Room for only one per side even for good footballers unless you're extremely versatile. Far better to be born a run of the mill mid or half back flanker

Good luck to Jason, though. Apparently a big improver

How much do they get paid.
Have to take into account the battered body and starting up the real job ladder a decade later than future work colleagues.

[bigred]

I cant help thinking that Hickey is going to be trade bait.

This is a good thing with Holmes signing for another year.

Next year if they get rid of the damn sub, then two rucks may again become an option.

Then only thing with Holmes is that while he will kill it in the ruck contests and hit outs, especially when allowed a run at the ball, around the ground he is still lacking.