Noah Holmes, James Holmes and Tom Cleary all confirmed departures at Clarence

The exodus of players at Clarence following the ugly exit of much-loved senior coach Peter Ryan has begun. See the details.

TSL Player of the Year Noah Holmes has signed with rival club Lauderdale for next season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Clarence will head into a new era under coach Grant Fagan without three key senior players in 2025.

Trio Noah Holmes (Lauderdale), James Holmes (Glenorchy) and Tom Cleary (University) were all announced as signings for their new clubs on Saturday with Cleary returning to the Rainbows as playing coach.

All playing key roles in the Roos’ top-two TSL finish this season, the loss of a first-choice ruck man in Noah Holmes, a lockdown tall defender in Cleary and a member of the leadership group in James Holmes means Fagan will have major holes to fill heading into next season.

James Holmes will be a major addition to Glenorchy’s young line-up. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The addition of each Holmes brother to their respective new line-ups are major off-season coups with Noah set to join an experienced Lauderdale side already boasting a number of talented tall targets, while James will provide plenty of experience and leadership to a Glenorchy line-up.

In a club statement, Lauderdale said they were thrilled by the commitment of Noah for next season fresh off winning the Player of the Year award this season.

“We are eagerly looking forward to seeing Noah don the Bombers colours and contribute to our success in 2025,” the club said.

“His commitment marks an exciting new chapter for our team and we can’t wait to witness the impact he will have on the field.”

Glenorchy were equally as thrilled with James’ addition after both his father and grandfather played at the club.

“We look forward to seeing what James can bring to our squad in 2025,” a statement said.

“His on-field leadership, experience and good character will be a great addition to our young list and will fit seamlessly into our culture.”

Tom Cleary (back) returns to Old Scholars club University after a year at Clarence but will return as senior coach next season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The duo will re-team with a former Clarence coach at either club with ex senior coach Peter Ryansigning as a senior assistant to Josh Arnold last month while his own former assistant Brent Dolliver will coach Lauderdale next season.

After the majority of the Clarence senior playing group headed into the off-season unsigned and disgruntled by the club’s handling of Ryan’s exit, The Mercury understands more players are expected to be announced as new additions at rival clubs in the coming weeks and months.