Cats add speed and strength in AFL Draft

Geelong has bolstered its midfield stocks through this week’s AFL Draft, with Harley Barker and Hunter Holmes set to pull on the hoops in 2026 and beyond.

In a relatively quiet draft for the Cats, Barker was taken with pick 24 on Wednesday night and Holmes, who is the brother of young gun Max, was taken with pick 33 on Thursday night.

Barker comes across to GMHBA Stadium from South Australia, where he regularly dominated on a wing for Sturt, Mount Barker, and his state side in the national championships.

At 187cm tall, the 18-year-old is a tall wing option and his speed, endurance and penetrating boot saw him named in the under-18 All Australian Team of the Year.

Barker has been likened to Ollie Dempsey and could form a lethal connection with his new teammate in years to come.

Cats fans will have to wait to see Barker in action until late 2026, as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered earlier this year.

Holmes hails from Prahran Football Club and featured on the wing for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League and Vic Metro in the national championships.

Much like his older brother, athleticism and speed are his key trademarks, qualities that will only strengthen Geelong’s power through the middle in 2026 and beyond.

Holmes’ sporting pedigree is unmistakable — the explosive pace shared with Max is also a hallmark of their mother, Lee Naylor, a Commonwealth Games 400m relay gold medallist.

Barker and Holmes will join their new teammates next week as the Cats officially return for preseason.