By Lachlan Mitchell
Marc Holt might be one of the most recognisable names and faces in the south-eastern suburbs.
The local-footy star has been showered in glitter and glory throughout his magnificent career that has seen him kick over 1100 goals for the Cranbourne Football Club.
On Saturday the cult-figure stepped out in front of his adoring fans at Cranbourne for the 250th time in an honour only fit for a king.
The only people who could show more enduring love and gratitude for the man than his Eagles brethren…are the ones that call him ‘Dad’.
Holt stepped out from the change rooms with his kids Imogen and Max grasped tighter than a Sherrin in his hands.
A clap reverberated around the ground, and each clap provided an understanding of what Holt meant to the club and the success he had given them…and was about to give them for the 250th time.
He was also thrilled to share the occasion with his great mate and premiership teammate Ryan Davey, who was celebrating a significant milestone of his own.
Davey, a champion midfielder, was also playing his 250th game for the club.
“It was a really good day, because I got to do it with Ryan (Davey) on the same-day,” Holt said.
“It’s pretty special; you get to do it with your best mate.
“Ryan has been there from the start. I won a premiership with him in under 18’s and we played together in the 2011 grand final.
“He even came to Karingal with me.
“For it to work out like that, it probably makes more sense than people would think.”
Father time is one of life’s greatest enemies…and even the greats find that time stands still for nobody.
“I’m definitely feeling old,” Holt said with a laugh.
“I’m feeling just a little bit behind, probably not a full-step behind, maybe half-a-step behind, it’s definitely going to be my last-season.
“My body is still holding on… just.“
Despite his one-season cameo at Karingal, the man with the best hands in the business generally regards himself as a one-club player.
“I’ve always wanted to be a one-club player,” Holt said.
“My best-mates and my brother have been at the club. I appreciate the love from all the people that have supported me.
“It’s a special place, and now the kids are a part of it.
“They have put a little Cranbourne jumper on as well, so that’s even more special.”
In response to what he wants his legacy to be when his career comes to a close, he put it simply.
“It’s really hard for a full-forward to finish a career being liked and respected, you can step on a lot of people’s toes,” he said
“I hope people respect what I have done, and how I have gone about it.
“Everything I have done is for the club, and if that’s rubbed people the wrong way, then so be it.”
Holt reached the impressive feat of 1000 goals in the 2018 season. The forward has kicked 100 goals on multiple seasons, as well as kicking 22 goals in a single game against Hampton Park.
“2011 was the first season where I kicked more goals than points in a season.” Holt explained.
“In my first years of senior footy I couldn’t kick very well. My ex-coach Doug Koop has this program called “Kicking On”.
“I scrapped my run-up; the main thing I work on is the last three steps before I kick which makes it easier.
“I kick a lot of goals, because I take a lot of shots, not necessarily because I’m a good kick.”
The passion that Marc Holt showed in his first season is still as evident as ever…in what could now be his last.
“Knowing 99 per cent that this is going to be my last year of football, I’m trying to enjoy each moment, but I do get a little bit frustrated, cause I am that half-step behind,” he said.
“Even though I have kicked a lot of goals you still have to celebrate and enjoy, its hard work to get a goal, you have got to make a point out of it.”
Holt has kicked 26 goals in his first five games this season, but believes he is slowing down.
“There’s a few contests I’d normally get to that I haven’t, and reaction times are a little slow and I’m a little bit behind,” he said.
“When I’m at a contest I’m not as stable as I use to be.”
The Eagles currently sit on top of the ladder suffering only one defeat against Cheltenham.
“We had a bit of a slow-start; we had a lot of injuries early and a lot of ins and outs,” he said.
“We are just trying to work out the best combination for our team.”
Holt and Cranbourne will be in action next against Dingley at Souter Oval on Saturday.
