Former college basketballer Jason Holmes will become the first born and raised American to play AFL when he pulls on a St.Kilda jersey against Geelong at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday night (AEST).
Holmes, the younger brother of Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre, signed for AFL club St.Kilda at the end of 2013 on an international rookie contract.
The six-foot-seven giant, who played ball for Morehead State Eagles, has been developing with St.Kilda's feeder team Sandringham for the past two seasons - establishing himself as the number one ruckman over the course of 2015.
Video: Jason Holmes' transition from college basketball to AFL
An ecstatic Holmes is proud of his achievements in such a short space of time and admitted he didn't always think he would succeed at making St.Kilda's senior side.
“I’m so excited, it’s been one of my main goals since I came out here and it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” the 25-year-old said.
"I've always prepped myself for the possibility that it may not happen.
"I’ve come so far and I’m so grateful for all of the support I’ve received since I began my AFL journey.
"It’s such an amazing sport and I’m so proud to be a cog in the machine that helps this sport grow across the world."
Video: See inside Jason Holmes' Australian house
Holmes is well-versed to Australia's competitive sporting nature having squared off against Aussie NBA finalist Matthew Dellavedova in 2010 college basketball game.
St.Marys, led by Delly, destroyed Holmes' Mississippi Valley State team but the US forward got one over the Australian NBA star - outscoring Dellavedova 19-14.
"I’ve followed his career closely and to this day I’m proud to say I’ve played against him,” Holmes said.
"I led the team in scoring and rebounding. He might remember a lanky kid trying to shoot threes and only having a left hand.
"He’s doing amazing things for Australia and for the NBA. The funny thing about it is that we’ve completely swapped codes."
Video: Jason Holmes is interviewed by teammate Adam Schneider in typical Australian humour