Cats thrilled to have Holmes back

GEELONG’S sought-after midfielder Max Holmes will remain at Kardinia Park after signing a four-year extension.

Holmes’ contract, which was set to run out at the end of this season, will now remain in place until at least the end of the 2028 AFL season.

Holmes said the decision to extend his contract in Geelong was a pretty much a done deal during the pre-season stage of the season.

“I can’t speak for other clubs, but it’s just an awesome culture, an awesome set-up, the program is set up in such a way where it’s really relaxing for us and good for all the players, so I’ve enjoyed that factor for the last three years now, so hopefully that continues for the next four,” Holmes said.

“It all happened a bit quickly.”

Holmes made his debut in Round 3, 2021, and has established himself as a pivotal part of Geelong’s senior list, playing 27 of the last 29 games for the Cats.

He now enters his fourth season in the AFL system and has continued on from his form in 2023, having played the majority of his career to date as an outside midfielder.

Geelong general manager of football Andrew Mackie said the Cats were thrilled to secure Holmes for the next four years.

“Max has shown great progression since arriving at the Club with his speed and running capacity some of his exciting attributes,” Mackie said.

“He has a great attitude and commitment to his development, and we can’t wait to see him continue to grow as a person and a player.

“He is a much-loved member both within our football program and by our members and supporters, so to have him running around in the Hoops for the next four years is something we are all looking forward to.”

This season, Holmes has spent the first seven rounds of 2024 across the field in a handful of different roles for head coach Chris Scott and has averaged 23.2 disposals,10 handballs, three tackles and 572 metres through seven rounds of football.