Craig Holden
Sydney and North Melbourne
AFL career
109 games24 goals
- Debut
- R1 1982 v RCH27 Mar 1982
- Most recent
- R20 1988 v FIT14 Aug 1988
Stats
1988 | SYD | 4 | 9.0 | 3.3 | 12.3 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 46 |
1987 | SYD | 23 | 10.6 | 5.4 | 16.0 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 55 |
1986 | SYD | 20 | 6.1 | 3.8 | 9.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.7 | - | 0.1 | 0.1 | - |
1985 | SYD | 17 | 14.7 | 6.1 | 20.8 | 4.6 | 1.2 | 1.4 | - | 0.7 | 0.2 | - |
1984 | SYD | 16 | 11.9 | 4.3 | 16.1 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 1.3 | - | 0.2 | 0.3 | - |
1983 | NTH | 12 | 8.8 | 3.5 | 12.3 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 1.5 | - | 0.2 | 0.5 | - |
1982 | NTH | 17 | 9.5 | 3.8 | 13.4 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 1.2 | - | 0.0 | 0.0 | - |
Bio
Originally a standout defender for Swan Districts in the WAFL, Craig Holden arrived in Victoria with a glowing reputation as a polished backman and consistent state representative. North Melbourne secured his services with pick 5 in the 1981 interstate draft, hoping to bolster their defensive stocks with the ready-made recruit. While he showed glimpses of his class across two seasons at Arden Street, Holden reportedly struggled to settle into the Melbourne lifestyle. Seeking a change of scenery, he requested a trade and was promptly snapped up by the Sydney Swans for the 1984 season, a move that would define the remainder of his career.
In the Harbour City, Holden found his best form, becoming a fixture in the Swans' backline during a volatile era for the club. Standing 178cm, he was a tenacious and reliable defender capable of shutting down dangerous small forwards while providing drive from the back half. His consistency was rewarded with All-Australian selection in 1987, the same year he represented Western Australia with distinction. Holden also earned a unique place in footy folklore during the 1984 International Rules series against Ireland, where he was famously grabbed by the throat by an umpire during a heated exchange. He retired in 1988 as a highly respected figure, later cementing his legacy as a Swans Life Member through decades of off-field service in player welfare and development.
Profile
- Born
- 14 Aug 1957 (age 69y 68d)
- Birthplace
- Western Australia
- Height
- 178 cm
- Weight
- 80 kg
Teams
Family
- Brother:Ray Holden
Bio
1 revisionOriginally a standout defender for Swan Districts in the WAFL, Craig Holden arrived in Victoria with a glowing reputation as a polished backman and consistent state representative. North Melbourne secured his services with pick 5 in the 1981 interstate draft, hoping to bolster their defensive stocks with the ready-made recruit. While he showed glimpses of his class across two seasons at Arden Street, Holden reportedly struggled to settle into the Melbourne lifestyle. Seeking a change of scenery, he requested a trade and was promptly snapped up by the Sydney Swans for the 1984 season, a move that would define the remainder of his career.
In the Harbour City, Holden found his best form, becoming a fixture in the Swans' backline during a volatile era for the club. Standing 178cm, he was a tenacious and reliable defender capable of shutting down dangerous small forwards while providing drive from the back half. His consistency was rewarded with All-Australian selection in 1987, the same year he represented Western Australia with distinction. Holden also earned a unique place in footy folklore during the 1984 International Rules series against Ireland, where he was famously grabbed by the throat by an umpire during a heated exchange. He retired in 1988 as a highly respected figure, later cementing his legacy as a Swans Life Member through decades of off-field service in player welfare and development.