In a move that has AFL fans buzzing, Geelong has just added a game-changer to their lineup with the selection of Hunter Holmes at Pick 33 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft. But here’s where it gets exciting: Holmes isn’t just any draftee—he’s the brother of Geelong’s own Max Holmes, and together, they’re set to become a dynamic duo in the blue and white hoops starting 2026. And this is the part most people miss: their athletic prowess runs in the family, with their mother, Lee Naylor, being a Commonwealth Games 400m relay gold medallist. Talk about a genetic jackpot!
Holmes, drafted from the Prahran Junior Football Club, brings explosive speed and endurance to the table—a combination that’s rare and highly coveted in the AFL. His ability to dominate both inside and outside contests makes him a versatile asset, but it’s his natural fit on the wing that truly stands out. Picture this: Holmes tracking up and down the field, effortlessly peeling into space, and carrying the ball with purpose. It’s a sight that’s already become a hallmark of his game.
Before joining the Cats, Holmes made waves at Melbourne Grammar and later with the Oakleigh Chargers, where he showcased his talent in the Coates Talent League and for Vic Metro. In 2024, he proved his adaptability by excelling in multiple roles, including a standout performance at the National Championships. Against the Allies, he delivered a masterclass with 15 disposals, seven score involvements, two assists, and a goal. But here’s the controversial part: Is Holmes’s speed his greatest asset, or is it his ability to seamlessly transition between roles? His 2.895-second 20m sprint—the third-fastest at the Draft Combine—certainly turns heads, but it’s his all-around game that has experts divided.
Joining fellow draftee Harley Barker, Holmes completes Geelong’s National Draft selections, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: Could this be the start of a new era for the Cats? What do you think? Is Holmes the missing piece Geelong needs, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
