Andrew Holmes: A Rampant Ringmaster is the uplifting story of a man whose life has been defined by community, commitment, and contagious energy. Raised by two Swan Districts life members, to a standout WAFL footballer, and later, a respected educator and principal, Andy's journey is a rich tapestry of leadership and heart.
Known affectionately as the booming-voiced MC of Swans' events and Thursday club nights, Holmes brings humour and warmth to every room?traits refined over decades leading classrooms and school communities. His unmistakable presence, marked by a trademark cheese-cutter cap passed down from his late father, symbolises his deep family and club roots. But behind the booming voice is a man whose values run deep: loyalty, service, humility, and heart.
A devoted husband to Tracy and father of four boys, Andy balanced family life with his roles in education, football, and volunteer service. His 137-game career at Swan Districts included a 1990 premiership and multiple leading goal-kicker titles, and off-field, his passion built junior clubs and shaped thousands of young lives through education. As a school principal for decades, he championed student-first leadership, community inclusion, and positivity through adversity.
Whether remembered as the teacher who believed in you, the footy coach who gave his weekends, the Club's vice-president, or the "ringmaster" who made club nights feel like a stadium event, Andrew Holmes' legacy is one of service, laughter, and love. As retirement nears, he remains a living example of what it means to lead with heart and leave things better than you found them.
