Geelong’s Max Holmes opens up on contract talk ahead of round one clash

Rising Geelong star Max Holmes is one of the hottest AFL talents out of contract at the end of the season but he is determined to let his footy do the talking in a new role.

Geelong’s Max Holmes is entering round one of the 2024 AFL season off the back of an impressive pre-season. Picture: Michael Klein

Geelong youngster Max Holmes is happy to ride out any speculation on his playing future amid contract talk, instead focusing on “playing footy”.

The 21-year-old enters the final year of his contract ahead of the Cats’ season-opener against St Kilda on Saturday night, with his strong 2023 form and blistering pre-season showings arguably set to see rival interest continue.

While Holmes understood there would be buzz, he was content to “stick to playing footy” and let his manager deal with negotiations.

“I went through a similar thing in 2022, probably a different scenario but I played half a season without signing a contract,” he said.

“I’m not too worried about that. I’m pretty adept at playing footy without listening to the noise.

“At this stage I’m more worried about round one. I’m still contracted for this year.”

Speaking on Monday, Holmes said he is feeling fit and ready after overcoming a minor ankle injury, which he described as a “little hiccup”, he suffered in the final practice match against Essendon.

Embracing the chance to play in front of 40,000 fans with the opening of the Joel Selwood Stand, Holmes is hopeful the stadium can be used to host finals in the future.

Max Holmes rebounds off of half back for Geelong in its 2024 AFL AAMI Community Series match against Essendon on March 1. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

After playing mostly midfield and wing last year, Holmes has spent time spent off halfback this pre-season.

“Probably a little bit at half back at the moment, but it's probably subject to change throughout the year,” he said.

“In the guts as well, on the wing, I think the coaches are happy to throw me in a few different positions.”

He said his move to defence came after being “thrown in the deep end” at training acknowledged his traits — including his explosive speed — did suit the role and way the game was headed.

“A lot of teams are using faster runners off the halfback to produce bounce off the half back, and if that works for us, I’m happy to but if it doesn't I can go to other roles,” he said.

“I think I’ll always see myself as an inside midfield, but at the moment, I played pretty well the other day off the halfback and I’m more than happy to do what the coaches think.”

Holmes believes the Cats’ longer off-season would benefit them this year, after using the summer to reflect on missing finals for the first time since 2015.

He said there was a “real hunger” within the playing group, with last year’s 12th placed finish coming as a bit of a shock to some players.

After celebrating his 50-game milestone late last year, Holmes hoped he was ripe to take the next step within his own game, though “didn’t want to jinx anything”.

“The 50-game mark is that spot for a lot of players, I’ve had a lot of experience now, played in a lot of positions,” he said.

“I think I do have a lot more confidence now than I did day one.”

Originally published as Geelong’s Max Holmes opens up on contract talk ahead of round one clash