Holt’s historic occasion

Marc Holt watches goal 1000 sail through the goals on Saturday. 183377 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Nick Creely

It only took a matter of seconds for Marc Holt to make history on Saturday.

In reality, it’s taken the enigmatic Cranbourne legend over a decade of dominance to etch his name in local football folklore…and it was worth the wait.

Local football is full of characters, but arguably none have drawn people through the gates quite like the powerful forward with vice-like hands and an insatiable desire to kick big bags of goals with defenders desperately trying to hold him down.

Putting a tumultuous week behind him after being charged by the tribunal and then cleared the next night at an AFL Victoria appeals hearing, Holt’s class and character loomed larger than anything else.

Holt simply bleeds for the blue and gold jumper, and his 1000-goal milestone was worthy of its almighty celebration.

In scenes reminiscent of the golden days of football, the sight of Cranbourne fans streaming onto the ground to celebrate the occasion will be one of the treasured memories when looking back at the history of the South East Football Netball League, which is in the latter stages of its final season.

In what was one of the finest goals of the season to date, Holt – within minutes of the game starting against Officer – at his home ground, bended the ball from deep in the pocket to watch the ball sail through the big sticks after evading several defenders, and immediately took off down the wing, pointing to his adoring fans as they saw their man make history.

1000-goals is a rarity for modern players, and his 1000th was spine-tingling, and in the contest of all his challenges along the way, perhaps his finest of them all.

Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien said he felt immense pride at watching Holt make history, and could only watch on in awe at his incredible 1000th goal, which took skill and class to pull off.

“To be a small part of a wonderful journey was really satisfying – it was a great moment for our footy club,” he said.

“It just shows what a wonderful player he is – Marc’s always going to be remembered as an incredible marking player, but he showed he has a full bag of tricks, with ground ball goals and the goal to bring his 1000th up was pretty special.”

 


O’Brien said that despite the moment being celebrated with gusto and passion, Holt’s loyalty and desire to win shone through immediately after galloping down the wing and being swarmed by teammates and fans.

“Our footy club won’t forget the moment, he’s been an incredible servant of our club, and he always puts us first, which is what makes him so special” he said.

“Even as soon as he kicked the goal and celebrated, I’m pretty sure his first comments were ‘let’s get back to the game now’ and that sums him up.”

And he has no signs of slowing down – according to O’Brien – with Holt kicking 35 goals in his nine games, just one goal away from leading the competition.

In the past fortnight, Holt has kicked 12 goals, and despite being held goalless against Beaconsfield earlier this season, is the most in-form forward in the competition.

“His last few games he’s been in great form, which is pleasing for us,” he said.

“It’s great for us, he’s such an offensive threat, and it’s a good position for us to be in.”

The Eagles had all the momentum from the opening bounce, and ran away 77-point winners after keeping the Kangaroos goalless until the final quarter, with Holt finishing with five and perennial goalkickers Nathan Gardiner and Tom Marks snaring six between them.

O’Brien was pleased with the Eagles’ ability to handle the pressure of the day, and said it showed growing maturity.

“It was really pleasing (the game) – it was a big build up, and we tried to keep it as normal as possible, and we had some targets we wanted to achieve from the game.

“For the boys to maintain the focus, and to tick all those boxes, it was really pleasing.”

The control and ability to run out games has been a feature of O’Brien’s side this season, with blistering speed and an ability to control the football having them well in the frame to challenge for a premiership.

But despite sitting in third by only a whisker on percentage to Berwick, O’Brien said his side can only control what they can control from here on in.

“We’ve just got to focus on what we can do, and it will all look after itself, to be honest,” he said.

“We’re going to finish top three, but whereabouts in the top three will be dependent on not just us, but Narre and Berwick as well.”

Eagles star Anthony Vella also brought up game 100 for the club in yet another milestone for the side, something not lost on O’Brien, who lauded his impact on the group and ability to make things happen

“He’s a very good footballer, as we all know, and he’s got an amazing capacity to cover the ground,” he said.

“He’s a line breaker, which is pretty important for the way we want to play the game.”

On a historic day for Cranbourne, young gun Zak Roscoe was superb, while midfield ace Ryan Jones continued his brilliant season with another eye-catching display. For the Kangaroos on a disappointing day that has them vulnerable in fifth position, Stephen Heppel and James Waldon battled hard, while Stephen Hawkins was the sole goalkicker.

Cranbourne faces a stern test when they travel to Kalora Park to take on Narre Warren on Saturday, while Officer must win against Pakenham at Toomuc Reserve in a significant game in the contest of the season.

Scores:

Cranbourne 13.16 (94)

Officer 1.11 (17)