Geelong has taken young gun Max Holmes off the AFL market with a fresh four-year contract extension.
The Cats confirmed on Tuesday night the 21-year-old has inked a new deal, snubbing reported big offers from rival clubs.
In March it was reported Holmes could earn upwards of $1 million a season if he opted to leave his current club.
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But his new deal takes him through to the end of 2028, when he will be 26 years old.
“Max has shown great progression since arriving at the club with his speed and running capacity some of his exciting attributes,” football boss Andrew 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.”
Holmes was taken by Geelong with pick 20 in the 2020 national draft.
He debuted in round three of the following season, and spent much of his early career as an outside midfielder.
But this year he has been moved around by the Cats, while remaining arguably their most exciting young player.
The unbeaten Cats take on Carlton on Saturday.