Holman was rewarded for his sensational start to the season when he was one of 42 players picked to train for the interleague showdown with the Peninsula league on May 23 at Albury Sportsground.

The 28-year-old has never ­represented the O and M and was one of four Hoppers’ named ­alongside younger brother, Kris, Adam Elias and Jordan ­Harrington.

“I’m a bit surprised that I was named, to be honest,” Holman said.

“I thought I had started the season reasonably well, but not well enough to get named in the squad.”

Holman racked up four votes in the Border Mail-Johnsons MME Footballer of the Year award in the opening three rounds before copping a two-week suspension for striking Wodonga Raiders youngster Matt Neagle.

He missed last week’s Anzac Day clash with Albury and will also be on the sidelines when the Hoppers take on Lavington next weekend.

Holman returned to Bunton Park last year after a stint with WAFL club Swan Districts.

But he had a bad year, struggling to overcome a knee injury which forced him to miss a large chunk of the season.

“It was just good to get a full pre-season under the belt this year and it makes a world of difference,” he said.

“Last year I missed half the season after having knee surgery and was never fully fit.”

Holman said he was ­enjoying his football ­under coach Jason Akermanis and was spending less time in the midfield and playing more across half-forward.

In his most recent match, the classy finisher slotted four goals against Wodonga Raiders.

Holman said it would be a career highlight if both he and Kris could make the final team.

“You don’t play footy for these kinds of things but it’s satisfying to get the recognition,” he said.

“If the opportunity came along to put on an O and M jumper — I would jump at it.”