Geelong's newest recruit Hunter Holmes is embracing a full-circle moment as he reunites with assistant coach Nathan Buckley while determined to establish his own identity in his debut AFL season.
Family Connections and Athletic Pedigree
The 18-year-old brother of Cats star Max Holmes was selected with pick 33 at the national draft, joining his sibling in the famous blue-and-white hoops. Despite inevitable comparisons with his established brother, the younger Holmes is focused on making his own mark at the elite level.
"Max is a good person to be compared to, so I'll take it, but I'm looking forward to making my own name out there as well," Holmes stated during Geelong's early pre-season training session at Deakin University.
The brothers share an impressive athletic heritage, inheriting the explosive speed of their mother Lee Naylor, who won Commonwealth Games gold in the 400m relay. Hunter hopes to combine that natural pace with his developing endurance to impact games at the highest level.
Training Ground Battles and Family Dynamics
Wednesday's session saw the Holmes brothers go head-to-head in midfield and stoppage drills, with Hunter enjoying the competitive challenge against his more experienced sibling.
"It was a bit of fun being on him. I think he gets into me a little bit, but it's good," Holmes revealed about the training ground encounter with his 23-year-old brother.
The transition to AFL life has been smoothed by existing connections within the club. "I was lucky enough to know a couple of the young boys that are close with Max and I've done some training with them in the past," Holmes explained. "It makes that transition a little bit easier."
Buckley Reunion and Dream Realised
Former Collingwood captain and coach Nathan Buckley represents a key addition to Chris Scott's coaching panel this season and took drills during Wednesday's session. The connection runs deeper than most realize - Buckley previously coached a 12-year-old Holmes during his time with Prahran juniors.
"I don't know how much coaching 12-year-olds need, but he was unreal," Holmes recalled fondly. "A real gentle coach, but he was unreal. It was pretty cool to have that full-circle moment and I'm back with him. He's obviously got a lot of experience and he's a great coach."
For Holmes, joining Geelong represented a dream fulfilled after being the club's second selection following Mt Barker product Harley Barker at pick 24. "I had a bit of an idea and I was really hoping for it, but with the way the draft goes, you never know what's going to happen," he shared.
"I just had my fingers crossed and I was very happy with the outcome. My whole family was there watching the draft and it was pretty emotional. They've all been hoping for this outcome the whole year, so there were a couple of tears and a lot of smiles."
The training group featured several established players including Max Holmes and recent recruit James Worpel, alongside younger talents Oliver Dempsey, Lawson Humphries and Shaun Mannagh - all part of the team that fell to Brisbane in last season's grand final.
Looking ahead, Holmes expressed excitement about connecting with high-profile recruit Bailey Smith, noting "I'm keen to meet Bailey Smith and get around him. He's a good character, so it will be fun. But he's a great player as well, so that will be pretty cool."
