Why Holmes should ‘run the gauntlet’ with contract negotiations

GEELONG’S Max Holmes is expected to attract plenty of interest from other clubs over the course of the next twelve to eighteenmonths.

AFL Media reported on Thursday that the 20-year-old midfielder has “become a target for rival clubs” despite the fact he remains contracted with the Cats until the end of 2024.

Kane Cornes said it’s refreshing to see clubs attempt to prise good players out of Geelong, given their ability to lure recruits down the highway.

Cornes also believes Holmes has the potential to be paid handsomely as an emerging player amid an aging midfield.

“I loved reading the AFL.com.au report about Max Holmes,” Cornes said on SEN’s Sportsday. “It’s about time someone targeted Geelong, to try and get some of Geelong’s players.

“There will be a club that would pay Max Holmes $800,000 a year, isn’t there?

“I wouldn’t think he’s on anywhere near that at Geelong because they don’t pay that [sort of money].

“This would be a blow if he chose to leave.”

AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich, who reported the news alongside Riley Beveridge, provided some insight into the Holmes situation.

“Max Holmes re-signed in July [2022] for two more years, but there are clubs just monitoring him,” Gabelich said.

“Collingwood came after him last year, they tried to get him in the Ollie Henry trade. We know Ollie Henry ended up getting to Geelong in that three-way trade with Cooper Stephens and Tom Mitchell.

“There are clubs just having a look because he did miss out on playing in that premiership last year after medically passing but not being given the football department tick of approval.

“He’s had a great season to date.”

According to Cornes, the 43-game Holmes should hold off signing a new deal at Geelong as he could land a significant pay day either with the Cats or elsewhere.

He believes there will be more cash available at Kardinia Park once the likes of Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins finish up.

“There’s no way they would trade him while he’s still contracted,” Cornes said.

“But it’s one for this time next year and a watch on whether he re-signs. I don’t think he should. I think he should run the gauntlet and back himself in to go again.

“Dangerfield is older, [Jeremy] Cameron is coming to the end and [so is] Hawkins. There’ll be money there at Geelong and he could be in for a huge pay day because there’ll be a number of clubs that would love to get his attributes in their midfield.”

Holmes is averaging 18.7 disposals and 3.5 clearances in 2023, numbers that don’t exactly stack up to $800,000 per year.

“That’s what they would pay on potential. He’s only 20 years of age,” Cornes said.

Gabelich agreed with those sentiments, adding that the Cats would see Holmes as a major player in what’s ahead for the club.

“You’ve got to think about the age profile of their midfield with Patrick Dangerfield, Cam Guthrie, Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola, all these types north of 30,” Gabelich said.

“They could not afford lose him. I know they went and got Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and Jhye Clark in the door, but Max Holmes is clearly a huge part of their future.”

– ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN