Abbey Holmes was born on January 7, 1991, in Victor Harbor, South Australia, into a family passionate about sports. Her father served as the president of the Victor Harbor Football Club, while her mother was a key figure in the local netball club. From a young age, Holmes exhibited a deep passion for sports, playing netball in her hometown. When she was 10, her family moved to Adelaide, where Holmes continued her sporting journey.
Youth Netball Career
Holmes’s youth sports career was marked by remarkable achievements. She debuted in South Australia’s state netball league at 15, demonstrating her talent and dedication to the sport. The same year, she was selected to represent South Australia at the Australian National Netball Championships, and she joined the Australian team for an international schoolgirls tournament at 16. Despite an unfortunate knee injury barring her from a national under-19 championship, Holmes’s perseverance never wavered.
Career in Australian Rules Football
After her netball journey, Holmes transitioned to Australian rules football, starting with the Waratah Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League in 2012. She won four consecutive premierships with the club and led as the league’s top goalkicker for four seasons.
Milestone in Australian Rules Football
In 2014, Holmes made history when she became the first female goalkicker ever in an established football league to score 100 goals during one season – earning the attention of AFL Women’s (AFLW) recruiters, leading her selection in Adelaide Football Club’s inaugural AFLW draft in 2016. Holmes debuted for Adelaide in Round 1 of the 2017 season, showcasing her skills as a forward.
Venture into Reality Television
Beyond her accomplishments in football, Holmes also ventured into reality television, joining the sixth season of Australian Survivor in 2019. She finished in fifth place, adding to her reputation as a versatile and influential figure in Australian sports and entertainment.
Engagement to Keegan Brooksby
Keegan Brooksby: Abbey Holmes’s Fiancé
Keegan Brooksby, a professional Australian rules footballer, is engaged to Abbey Holmes. Brooksby’s career has included stints with the Gold Coast Suns, the West Coast Eagles, and the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Engagement Details
The couple announced their engagement in November 2020. Brooksby proposed to Holmes during a holiday at Uluru, sharing the special moment on their personal Instagram accounts. Brooksby described the proposal as perfect, with the right person in the perfect location.
Life after AFLW
Following her retirement from the AFLW after the 2018 season, Holmes transitioned to a successful career as a commentator, becoming a prominent figure on the Channel 7 network and joining the commentary team for the 2020 AFL Grand Final. As they embark on this new chapter of their lives, Holmes and Brooksby are excited for their future together, cherishing each moment of their engagement and the memories created in the Northern Territory.
