TRAGIC LOST: Few minutes ago: Geelong Cats midfielder Max Holmes confirmed dead at the age of 23 years in a devastating car crash on his way to…. See more

TRAGIC LOSS: AFL Community Devastated by Sudden Passing of Young Star

The Australian Football League has been plunged into mourning following the tragic loss of a young AFL footballer, confirmed just moments ago after a devastating car accident.

According to preliminary reports, the 23 year old Geelong Cats midfielder was involved in a fatal crash while travelling to training. Emergency services arrived swiftly at the scene, but the player was sadly pronounced dead shortly after.

The accident reportedly occurred onLatrobe Terrace Geelong, with authorities continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The late footballer was widely regarded as one of the AFL’s most exciting emerging talents. Since debuting with Geelong Cats, he had earned praise for his elite speed and athleticism, high work rate, significant skill in ball use (especially from the defensive 50), and developing toughness. He has rapidly ascended to become a back-to-back best and fairest winner for his club.

Work Rate

Holmes possesses a high work rate, which, combined with his endurance, allows him to get to “contest after contest”. He consistently runs hard throughout games, enabling him to accumulate high disposal counts and significant metres gained, leading the AFL in total metres gained in 2024 and ranking second in 2025. His engagement is also reflected in his consistent tackling numbers, which increased as he moved into a more central midfield role. 

Speed

Speed is arguably Holmes’ most prominent attribute, stemming from a strong track and field background where he was a national 400m hurdles champion. 

He is described as having “blistering” and “electric” pace that causes issues for opponents.

This athleticism allows him to break lines and drive transition, making him a potent offensive threat.

He won the Grand Final Sprint on AFL Grand Final Day in 2023. 

Skill

Holmes’ skill set is characterized by clean hands (both for ground balls and overhead marking) and effective ball use, particularly in launching attacks from the backline. Expert analysis has rated him as the “best kick out of defensive 50” in the league due to his precision and impact. An area for occasional improvement noted earlier in his career was inconsistency in his kicking under pressure, but this appears to be an area of significant development. 

Toughness

While initially seen as a “project player” with a lighter frame, Holmes has developed physically and demonstrated toughness by absorbing contact in contested situations. His progression into an inside midfielder role, where he is rated elite for contested possessions and clearances by Champion Data, highlights his increasing physical and mental toughness. His ability to bounce back from a painful hamstring injury that kept him out of the 2022 Grand Final also speaks to his resilience, quickly becoming a valued teammate and a fan favourite.

In a statement, Geelong Cats said the club was “heartbroken beyond words”:

“This is an unimaginable loss for our football club and the wider AFL family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose life he touched.”

Tributes have flowed in from across the league, with rival clubs, players, and fans expressing disbelief and sorrow. Supporters gathered outside GMHBA Stadium, laying scarves, guernseys, and flowers in a powerful show of unity and respect.

The AFL is expected to honour the late player with a moment of silence and black armbands during upcoming matches.

This tragic loss is a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be, even for elite athletes at the peak of their careers. As the AFL community mourns, the legacy of Max Holmes will endure through the memories, inspiration, and passion he brought to the game.