Cats speedster makes huge call on future

Unbeaten Geelong has secured another major win off the field with star speedster Max Holmes committing his future to the Cats with a four-year contract extension.

Holmes, 21, was out of contract at the end of the season and loomed as one of the hottest commodities on the trade market after talks were delayed last year.

The wingman-turned-halfback has inked a new deal which will take him through to free agency at the end of 2028.

Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said the club was thrilled to secure Holmes’ signature as he praised his work ethic and professionalism.

“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.”

Holmes has been in career best form to start the season, averaging 23 disposals per game in his shift to defence and rated elite for metres gained with an average of 573m.

The 57-gamer was taken with pick 20 following a Covid-interrupted draft year in 2020.

Holmes found excellent form in the back half of Geelong’s premiership campaign in 2022 but was dealt a cruel blow in the preliminary final with a hamstring strain that kept him out of the grand final.

He was understood to be bitterly disappointed with the decision to leave him out of the Cats’ 23 against Sydney despite the concern over whether he could get through the full game.

Geelong will next look to secure the signatures of forward pair Ollie Henry and Tyson Stengle, who are out of contract at the end of the season.

Experienced midfielder Cam Guthrie, who could return from a quad injury against Carlton on Saturday, is also yet to sign on.