MAX HOLMES
Max Holmes – Biography
Full Name: Max Holmes
Date of Birth: 29 August 2002
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 74 kg
Position: Midfielder
AFL Club: Geelong Cats (#9)
Drafted: Pick 20, 2020 AFL Draft (via trade with Richmond)
Debut: Round 3, 2021 vs Hawthorn at the MCGEarly Life and Athletic Background
Max Holmes grew up in East Malvern, Victoria, and played junior football with the Prahran and East Malvern Knights. He attended Melbourne Grammar School and represented the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League.
Holmes inherited elite athletic genes from his mother, Lee Naylor, a former Olympic sprinter. He was a standout junior athlete himself, excelling in sprinting and was the U18 400m hurdles champion in 2019. His speed and endurance were key traits that made him a highly sought-after AFL prospect.
AFL Career with Geelong Cats
Geelong traded up in the 2020 AFL Draft to select Holmes at Pick 20, impressed by his athleticism and versatility. He made his debut in 2021 and quickly became known for his explosive pace, elite running capacity, and ability to break lines.
In 2022, Holmes was a vital part of Geelong’s premiership campaign but was heartbreakingly ruled out of the Grand Final due to a hamstring injury in the preliminary final.
He bounced back in 2023, winning the AFL Grand Final Sprint, and in 2024, he delivered a career-best season, playing every game and averaging 24.2 disposals per match which culminated in him winning Geelong’s Best & Fairest (Carji Greeves Medal).
Playing Style and Impact
Holmes is a dynamic midfielder who also excels across half-back. His elite endurance and top-end speed make him a constant threat in transition. In 2024, he led the Cats in disposals, inside 50s, and effective disposals, and ranked third in the AFL for running bounces. His ability to break lines and deliver inside 50s has made him one of the most exciting young players in the league.
Honours and Achievements
Carji Greeves Medal (Geelong Best & Fairest): 2024
Geelong Cats Best Young Player Award: 2021
22under22 Team: 2024
McClelland Trophy (Geelong): 2022
AFL Grand Final Sprint Winner: 2023
All-Australian Squad (44-man): 2024
Follow Max
Instagram: @maxho1mes
