Geelong midfielder Max Holmes has extended his time at Geelong, signing a four-year deal.
Holmes - who was quickly becoming one of the more sought-after youngsters in the competition - put Cats fans at ease, keeping him at the club until the end of 2028, according to Channel 7's Mitch Cleary.
The 21-year-old leads a host of Geelong talent that will looked to be locked away, with 22 other players out of contract.
Holmes is averaging 23 disposals a game and has also pushed forward with four goals.
Taken with pick No.20 in the 2020 draft after the Cats traded their future first-round pick to secure him, the speedster has since played 57 games, but missed out on the 2022 premiership after suffering a hamstring injury in the preliminary final.
Geelong General Manager – Football Andrew Mackie said the Cats was thrilled to secure Holmes for the next four years.
“Max has shown great progression since arriving at the Club with his speed and running capacity some of his exciting attributes," Mackie said.
"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.
“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.”
Clubs reportedly interested in securing Holmes were Collingwood, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn.
Premiership defender Jack Henry will be another priority signing while Tyson Stengle is one the club will want to keep.
Veterans Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Rhys Stanley and Tom Hawkins are all playing good football, but the club is likely to have a good look at the form of their senior players before locking them up for another season.