Geelong’s wingman, Max Holmes, is poised to become one of the most highly sought-after players in the league. As he approaches the final year of his current contract at just 21 years old, rival teams, notably Collingwood, are expressing significant interest in him. Speculation suggests that Holmes could command a substantial salary of $1 million per season starting in 2025, with Channel 9’s Tom Morris suggesting that the excitement surrounding him could soar to unprecedented levels.
Morris mentioned on Wednesday night that “The buzz surrounding Max Holmes continues to intensify.” Geelong has presented Holmes with a four-year contract offer, potentially extending to free agency, though there’s also a shorter two-year option available.
However, should Holmes decide to investigate other opportunities, two list officials informed me today that he could demand a salary as high as $1 million per season, with contracts spanning a minimum of six years.
Holmes plans to postpone contract discussions until later in the year, while the club aims to secure the wingman’s services as soon as possible, especially considering the impending retirements of some key players.
With Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, and Cameron Guthrie all reaching their 30s and likely creating vacancies in the midfield, Holmes is viewed as a potential successor in that role, alongside emerging talents like Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes, and Jhye Clark, who are seen as the next generation to lead Geelong.
Although the 21-year-old expresses confidence in remaining at Kardinia Park, he acknowledges that his primary focus is on preparing for Round 1. Holmes stated to reporters on Monday, “We’ve just got to sort it out, I guess. It’s up to Mack (Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie) and my manager to sort it out. Then, when they’re happy with it, I’ll be happy with it, I guess. I don’t really know much about what’s going on. I just let my manager take the reins and I stick to playing footy, and I’m happy with that. At this stage, I’m more worried about round one than my contract.”
“I’m currently under contract for this year, so my focus is solely on playing football. I’ll leave the rest to my manager.”
Holmes endured a devastating setback during Geelong’s 2022 premiership campaign, as he missed the grand final due to a hamstring injury.