MAX HOLMES
Date of Birth: 29 August 2002
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 88kg
Position: Midfielder
AFL Club: Geelong Cats (#9)
Drafted: Pick 20, 2020 AFL Draft
Debut: Round 3, 2021 vs Hawthorn at the MCGMax Holmes is one of the AFL’s most exciting young stars, known for his explosive speed, and game-breaking ability. A key figure in the Geelong Cats’ midfield, Max has quickly become a fan favourite and the Cats’ most important player, a dynamic midfielder who thrives in high-pressure moments and consistently delivers on the big stage.
Born and raised in East Malvern, Victoria, Max’s football journey began with the Prahran Junior Football Club and continued through Melbourne Grammar. With a strong sporting pedigree—his mother, Lee Naylor, is a former Olympic sprinter—Max was destined for elite sport, growing up immersed in high-performance culture. Before committing fully to football, he was one of the future stars in Australian Athletics, crowned the U18 Australian 400m hurdles champion in 2019. His elite speed and clean hands caught the attention of AFL recruiters.
Drafted by the Geelong Cats with Pick 20 in the 2020 AFL Draft, Max made his debut in Round 3 2021 and immediately impressed with his explosive speed. Holmes played a pivotal role in Geelong’s 2022 premiership campaign before a heart-breaking hamstring injury ruled him out of the Grand Final. He returned in 2023 with renewed determination, playing 21 games and winning the AFL Grand Final Sprint- Max brings a unique blend of pace, power and professionalism to the game.
In 2024 and 2025 Max took his game to another level winning back-to-back Carji Greeves Medals as Geelong’s Best & Fairest, averaging 26.9 disposals per game in 2025 and leading the AFL in inside 50s. His ability to break lines, create scoring opportunities, and cover the ground with ease makes him one of the most watchable players in the league. Whether bursting from stoppages, hitting targets inside 50, or tracking back in defence, Max’s influence is felt across all over the field.
At just 23 years old, Max Holmes is not only a key figure in Geelong’s future but also one of the AFL’s most marketable young athletes. With a growing fan base, a compelling personal story, and a proven track record of performance, Max is a powerful partner for brands looking to connect with the next generation of sports fans
Honours and Achievements
Carji Greeves Medal (Geelong Best & Fairest): 2024 & 2025
All-Australian Squad: 2024 & 2025Geelong Cats Best Young Player Award: 2021
22under22 Team: 2024
McClelland Trophy (Geelong): 2022
AFL Grand Final Sprint Winner: 2023
Follow Max
Instagram: @maxho1mes
