Geelong have re-signed the first of their out-of-contract young stars, with speedy midfielder Max Holmes committing to the Cats for four more years.
Holmes was a strong target for other clubs after the 21-year-old was left out of the Cats side for the 2022 grand final after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Max Holmes.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images
Geelong later confirmed on Tuesday night that Holmes had signed until the end of 2028.
The quick, skilful Holmes started his AFL career on the wing but has been used off halfback and on the ball this year. He has not only established himself comfortably in the Cats’ best 22 but is one of the young next generation of leaders the club is building around.
Holmes was a priority signing for the Cats as they started the year with 23 players on their list out of contract.
They have re-signed Tom Stewart, Zach Guthrie, Jhye Clark and Mark O’Connor in the past few months but have several free agents still unsigned.
Premiership player Jack Henry, one of the few tall defenders who is an unrestricted free agent, is sure to attract opposition interest while unrestricted free agent Ty Stengle could command a strong contract after being an All-Australian and premiership player in his first season with the Cats.
Stengle was one of the Cats’ best players on Saturday night against the Brisbane Lions.
Veterans Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Rhys Stanley and Tom Hawkins are all playing good football, but the club is likely to have a good look at the form of their senior players before locking them up for another season.
