NICK Holman is used to overcoming setbacks.

After nine games in two years at Carlton, the rugged utility thought his AFL career was over when he was delisted at the end of 2015.

Holman in action for Carlton in 2015. Picture: AFL Photos

He fought back though, putting together two outstanding seasons for Central District in the SANFL and being given a second chance by Gold Coast in the 2018 rookie draft. But things weren't meant to be easy for the 24-year-old.

Holman played every game in 2018 for the Suns, was rewarded with a one-year contract extension, but then suffered a stress fracture in his back earlier this year.

He didn't play after the mid-season bye.

"When I got injured I got a bit worried about not getting a contract," Holman told AFL.com.au.

"Other blokes get opportunities and maybe they step ahead of you." 

But it wasn't the case. 

Holman has been rewarded with a fresh two-year deal that will keep him at Metricon Stadium until at least the end of 2021.

After surgery a little over a month ago put a screw in his back, Holman was expected to resume running this week and hopes to be in full training by Christmas. 

"I'm really excited," he said.

"I reckon the first two years have been finding my way back in the AFL system and now I can start building and help the team succeed. 

"I'm pretty much back to where I was before the surgery. 

"It's been a long time since I ran, four or five months. I'm itching, ready to go." 

Gold Coast has also extended the contracts of rookies Jacob Dawson, Jacob Heron, Sam Fletcher and 2019 mid-season draft recruit Mitch Riordan.