ST KILDA ruckman Jason Holmes will become the first born-and-raised American to play an AFL game, with the Saints announcing he will debut for the club on Saturday night against Geelong.

Holmes, 25, is a former college basketballer who made the switch to Australian football less than three years ago, and was picked up as an international rookie by the Saints at the end of 2013.

Born in Chicago, Holmes said he was thrilled to be selected for his senior debut and set a benchmark for Americans converting to a foreign sport.

"I've come so far and I'm so grateful for all of the support I've received since I began my AFL journey. It's such an amazing sport and I'm so proud to be a cog in the machine that helps this sport grow across the world," Holmes said. 

Holmes, who has a huge leap, was elevated to St Kilda's senior list earlier this month after Jack Billings was ruled out for the remainder of the year with injury.

The only other American-born player AFL player was Sanford Wheeler, who moved to Australia when he was five years old and played for the Sydney Swans from 1989-1994.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said Holmes had truly earned his stripes.

"Jason's development and growth has been very impressive in the two years he has been at the club, and his attitude and commitment to succeed at the elite level has been outstanding," he said. 

"His performance in the VFL with his ruck work means he gets an opportunity this weekend."

Holmes played two NAB Challenge games for the Saints earlier this year.