Ever since he was a child Russell Holmes has dreamed of pulling on the Big V and representing Victoria in State of Origin football.
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And in October, Holmes will get to live out that dream after he was selected as an assistant coach of the Victoria Country National Inclusion Carnival side.
The Grampians Giants coach, who was born and bred in Stawell and also played football with the Stawell FC under-17s, said he was very excited to be selected for the opportunity.
"As a little kid, watching the State of Origin series, that is where the passion and the fire started to burn about one day getting to represent the Big V in some way or form," he said.
"I just put in an application because it has always been a dream of mine to be a part of the Vic Country team.
"I just missed out on the team in 2018 as a player, so I thought as I am now a head coach, I will go for one of the coaching positions."
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Holmes loves his football and after suffering a serious knee injury in 2018, he turned his attention to coaching.
"I started coaching with the Giants in 2019 and it's fantastic," he said.
"I fell into the position because I did my ACL in 2018 and then I decide with my recovery year that I would coach the team and it is the best decision I have ever made.
"This year I have returned as a playing coach."
Holmes said he had enjoyed his 2021 season with his Giants team and he was pleased to see their progress.
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"The development of the players has been at another level again," he said.
"When I started at the club we were really at a development stage, but now we are getting up the skill level.
"I love the teammates and being part of a team and helping to support skill building and growth."
Holmes will head to Adelaide for the National Inclusion Carnival in October and in the meantime he will be working with the Victoria Country squad to help select the playing squad.
Alongside Holmes' involvement four Grampians Giants players will try-out for the squad, with Simon Crow, Tim Miller, Jake Debono and Troy McQualter nominated.
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