Gold Coast Suns AFL: Nick Holman opens up about mother’s tragic death before 2022 season
A Gold Coast Suns forward has revealed the depths of his mental anguish following a shock family death just two days after spending Christmas together.
AFL
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NICK Holman has finally kicked the lower back injuries that plagued his career in recent years, revealing he instead has had to fight through a far greater personal pain this season.
The 27-year-old has opened up about the lasting heartache of his mother Kylie’s death late last year, which was borne out in emotional scenes following Gold Coast’s Round 1 win over West Coast in Perth.
Holman was pictured in tears after the game and cameras in the Suns rooms showed his father Peter joining the circle for the club song.
Coach Stuart Dew later revealed the reason why in the post-match press conference.
But it has taken until now for Holman to feel comfortable speaking about the tragic circumstances of his mother’s death, which he said “came out of nowhere”.
“We spent Christmas together and then she just had a heart attack,” he said.
One of the most popular players at the Suns, in large to his incredible work ethic, Holman revealed he struggled for motivation to train in the weeks and months proceeding Kylie’s passing.
“It happened December 27 and the funeral was (January) 9. I was home for a couple of weeks after the funeral and felt it was time to come back,” Holman said.
“I found it hard to find motivation to train, for obvious reasons, but I’ve stuck at it. Some days are better than others.
“I’ve got really good support and now I’m at the back end of the grieving process. It lasts a long time but I’m starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
“She played a big part in my footy journey. I often like to think about her and all my games now are for her. It’s what’s driving me this year – more the mental side of the game than physical.”
Holman said he had never truly appreciated the level of support a footy club provided until he leant on the Suns and his teammates.
“You probably take it for granted a little when you haven’t had a tragedy. I’ve found myself relying a lot on my friends … the club is the same, you don’t understand the support you have or the connection the club has until you go through hardship.”
On the field Holman is enjoying his most consistent season since playing every game in 2018.
Part of a Suns forward line that has raised eyebrows across the footy world in recent weeks, Holman said he was happy to fly under the radar among the small forward brigade.
“I’m enjoying the youth that Maly (Rosas Jr), Ranks (Rankine) and Joel Jeffrey bring in. Sometimes I just sit back and watch and think how lucky I am to play with these guys,” he said.
“We’re really starting to connect. It’s something we’ve been working on all year.”
“I feel like there is definitely a buzz around the place, but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” Holman added of the Suns’ good form.
“We play to win games of footy and we’ve been able to do that more than we ever have. That’s something to look forward to and I think that’s exciting for our fans.
“We’re really looking forward to the back half of the year.”
Originally published as Gold Coast Suns AFL: Nick Holman opens up about mother’s tragic death before 2022 season
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