Three-year wait for Holmes to play forward but young Roo grasps opportunity with both hands

Bye, bye backline, hello goals: That’s the outlook for Clarence’s latest forward line success, who has joined his brother in attack for the Roos.

Clarence's James Holmes. Pic James Bresnehan

• The game was meant to be a TSL corker but Clarence refused to follow the script and blew the Demons to hell
• Clarence have jumped into the TSL’s top four with a belting of their traditional rivals

A CHANGE of scenery was just what the doctor ordered for Clarence defender James Holmes at the weekend and now it’s double-trouble on the Roos’ forward line for opposition teams.

James joined his 195cm younger brother Noah, 17, in attack for Clarence’s win over Lauderdale at Richmond Oval on Saturday.

They are hoping to be a handful when they play North Launceston at 1.30pm at Richmond Oval on Saturday.

The reward was instant for James, a “reformed” defender, who booted two goals and Noah a single on the Roos’ way to a 20-point win.

James said “I love” being up forward.

“’Jez’ [Clarence coach Jeromey Webberley] finally put me up there after three years in the backline,” James said.

“I kicked a couple and hopefully I’ll keep going.

“I had been putting it in his head for two years and at the start of this year I gave up on it.

“I didn’t think it would happen.

“I rocked up on Thursday and ‘Jez’ told me I was going forward and I said it’s about time.”

There is plenty of brotherly love between the brothers Holmes.

“I got Noah over from Brighton last year and I love it, having him in the team, there’s no better feeling that running out with him,” James said.

“There’s bit of pressure on him, being a key forward, but he’s very level-headed and he’s loving the opportunity to play up there.”

Clarence toppled previously undefeated Launceston at Windsor Park in round six and North Launceston will be another major test.

“It will be a good indication of where we are at,” James said.

“We’re a young group and I think we can keep improving. It’s our consistency that we’ve got to work on.”