SPEEDSTER Max Holmes’ first year in the AFL system came with a much larger share of the spotlight than he anticipated.
Drafted as an end of first round prospect weighing in at 74kg, he certainly didn’t expect an Easter Monday AFL debut, nor was he imagining lining up in a Preliminary Final in just his 12th senior game.
“I came into the year wanting to play AFL but expecting to play VFL all year and even playing VFL this year,” he says.
“It kind of took me by surprise how well I went.”
Now nine kilograms heavier and with a year in the spotlight under his belt, Holmes is gearing up to make strides in year number two.
“I’m sitting around 83 kilos now and I came into the system at 74 – so I’ve put on a lot of weight,” Holmes says.
“I’m feeling a lot stronger than I was this time last year which is good.”
Holmes’ increasing strength goes hand in hand with his rising confidence.
“I reckon compared to last year I’m a lot more conditioned and feel a lot more comfortable out here,” he says.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a lot fitter and stronger. I’m looking forward to getting into it.”
Holmes will be hoping his increased strength helps his stoppage game take the next step after he was surprisingly effective in the area last season.
The slightly-built 19-year-old won five clearances in both the Cats’ Round 23 clash with Melbourne and Semi-Final win over the Giants.
“I’m trying to work on a lot of my stoppage stuff still,” he says.
“On the weekend (against Richmond) I played a bit more inside which was good.
“Obviously I’m not the biggest frame so I’m trying to get little techniques in there and parts that will help me improve my game around some of the bigger boys.”
He’s also looking to take advantage of what comes natural – which is to run.
Holmes’ mum Lee Naylor ran the 400 metres at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, while also winning gold in the 4x400m relay at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
“Naturally I did athletics as a kid,” Holmes says.
“I did 400m as well and a bit of 400m hurdles and went pretty well at that. I stopped running at around 17 to focus on footy.
“I’m really happy I did it, it’s held me in good stead for AFL.
“I still need to utilise it a bit more. The coaches keep getting into me about using my running as much as I can.”
Regardless of where Holmes’ improvement comes from, he knows he’ll be ready for the big moments in 2022 after last year’s baptism of fire.
“This year getting on the big stage, which I’m sure we will, I think I’ll be much more prepared for it if I’m out there,” he says
