The quiet, modest Holmes had just been inducted into the Ovens and Murray Football League Hall of Fame, and had to address a crowd of almost 250 people.

"I was pretty shocked to hear that they would consider me for this honor, and then it hit me that I would have to get up and talk. However, it is a great honor and certainly a big thrill," he said.

Holmes, a farmer at Carboor, began with the Wangaratta Rovers in 1972 and he went on to play 302 tough, uncompromising games as the keystone of the Hawk defence during the club?s golden era.

Holmes, a club best and fairest winner, played in six premierships and was regarded by many as the hardest and toughest player of his era.

He played 183 successive games before a very serious knee injury brought with it the news that he may never play again.

Eight weeks later he was back on the training track and played in that year?s grand final.

Other inductees on Wednesday night were Yarrawonga?s Neil Davis, Lavington?s Ralph Aalbers, Neil "Curly" Hanlon, who played with Benalla, and Rutherglen legend Jack King.

www.nenews.com.au - Written by PHILIP NOLAN.