GLENELG has been dealt an early-season blow after Tom Holmes called a halt to his career to join his partner overseas. The talented midfielder, 24, told the players last night of his decision and he will miss the clash against Norwood at Brighton Road tomorrow night. His partner was to have returned to Adelaide in August but she has had her contract extended, prompting Holmes to quit the club and move overseas. Holmes fronted for the Tigers in the first-round win over South Adelaide on Good Friday and his decision is a setback for the club. "The club wishes Tom all the best and he has our full support," Tigers football manager Ken Applegarth said. It is a courageous decision - the right decision for the young man. He is a very respected young bloke and it was not an easy decision. He loves the boys, the club, but he misses his partner. ``Tom is a beauty. That is why I went to Mt Gambier four or five times to get the kid. ``We could see him as a 200-game player. ``He has wonderful skills and will be a loss for us. Holmes made 58 appearances for the Tigers and was third in their best-and-fairest award last year. Recruited from the South East, Holmes returned to Mt Gambier for two seasons with his partner before again donning the Tigers jumper last year. The Bays' hopes of upsetting the reigning premier have been hampered by the loss of high-flying forward Ruory Kirkby, missing due to personal reasons, and Crows pair Sam Shaw and Tom Lynch. Shaw has been forced out with a hamstring injury and Lynch, superb against the Panthers, has been called up to the AFL. Lynch has been named as an emergency for the battle in Brisbane and is tipped to travel with the team. Their replacements will come from Ryan McInerney, James Hinge, Jacob Carger, Brad Agnew and Chris Curran. The Tigers are coming off a strong win over the Panthers while the Redlegs had no trouble overcoming Port Adelaide at The Parade to open their title defence. "This is one of the toughest contests all year," Applegarth said. We have plenty of respect for the Norwood Football Club and it will be a huge challenge.