Cats lock away sought-after speedster on four-year contract

Max Holmes has signed a four-year deal to remain at Geelong, the club confirmed on Tuesday night.

One of the biggest out-of-contract names this year, Holmes has reaffirmed his commitment to Geelong in a significant boost to the Cats.

Tom Morris reported on SEN on Monday morning that Holmes, 21, had indicated he wanted to stay at the Cattery and the contract was sitting with Geelong.

Nine and Seven both reported earlier on Tuesday evening that Geelong had come to terms with its speedy defender.

Footy boss Andrew Mackie confirmed the news that Holmes will be wearing the hoops until at least 2028 via Geelong’s website.

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

“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, who is coming off a dominant performance against Brisbane, has this year established himself as a key member of Chris Scott’s best 22 playing a new role off half-back and given Geelong’s list shape, will be a leader of the club for the next decade.

He missed the 2022 Grand Final success after tweaking his hamstring the week prior and now has 57 games to his name.