LEWIS Hollmer is a surfer dude that loves the big stage.
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The 196cm forward-utility from Lorne followed his mate Tom Couch to North Launceston in the summer, after playing together at Geelong Football League powerhouse club Bell Park.
Hollmer, 26, set up life in Hawley Beach with his partner Claire and has travelled the Bass Highway on many occasions – committed to the Northern Bombers’ cause.
He is coming off a best-on-ground performance in the second-semi final when he stepped in to fill the void of hamstrung full-time ruckman Alex Lee.
“It’s been a pretty easy transition as I’ve been pretty busy with work and footy,” the plumber said.
“I struggled a bit to adapt with the way the boys played at the start of the year but in the latter half I’ve found my feet and started to play the brand of footy that I’m happy with.
“I’ve always loved playing in the ruck… it’s where I’ve got my best attributes.
“I’ve travelled for footy my whole career and always been an hour away from my home club wherever its been so that’s been pretty easy.
“But to play at this level you do need to give it 100 per cent and I wish I could have been to those extra sessions during the preseason and midway through the year.”
Couch said Hollmer leaving his family and friends to join in him Tasmania had been good for him.
He said knowing someone outside of North Launceston provided him with a small outlet.
“We’ve become really close, particularly this year,” Couch said.
“For me to have someone here that you don’t know through North Launceston or Tasmania, we’ve been good for each other to have a chat about friends, family or even just what’s going on back in Geelong.
“He’s kept his body in good nick and he has improved every game over the last eight weeks.
“It goes to show that hard work pays off and good things happen to good people.”