ALLANSFORD onballer Sam Holloway wrote off his 2013 campaign a handful of weeks after it began.
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The season had started with promise. Holloway had a new football home and the Cats looked bound for finals under first-year coach Josh Parkinson.
He kicked six goals in a 124-point win against Russells Creek in round one and was firing early against South Rovers the following week.
That was before injury struck. Holloway would play just twice more for the rest of the season. By June he was on the long-term injury list.
“I played the first game-and-a-quarter, did my medial ligament in my knee, missed a few weeks and then came back and tore a calf muscle,” he said.
“It’s a bit of an old man’s injury. I think I already tore it when I did my knee, but I didn’t know I’d done it. I came back and tore it real well.
“It was disappointing. I could’ve played the last couple of games but I thought I’d get it right for the next year. I had a big pre-season and got it all right.”
The season without meaning, while frustrating for a dairy farmer who relishes his football, had a silver lining.
Holloway, a refreshed 30-year-old, is turning heads with his performances in the first eight rounds of the Warrnambool and District league season.
He has featured in the best five times — no mean feat given the talent-laden Allansford playing list — and has kicked 17 goals.
The rich vein of form has demanded his inclusion in the Warrnambool and District representative side which takes on Colac and District today.
“I didn’t really think about (interleague) that much. It’s one of those things that’s a bit of a bonus,” he said.
“You always put your hand up for these things. I’m happy to play in it and get to know a few of the blokes I play against each Saturday.
“I’ve just been trying to get the best out of myself. I suppose I’ve played a bit of Hampden league footy, which has helped.”
Holloway, who will start on a wing, rates Warrnambool and District a good chance to reverse its 13-point 2013 interleague defeat.
“I think we’re pretty even. I think we’re missing a couple of forwards, we’re pretty small but we can run and carry the ball. The big Colac ground will suit us,” he said.
afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au