\n Max Holmes hurt his ankle in Geelong’s strong win over St Kilda\n <\/p>\n
Max Holmes is seen on crutches after the round 19 match between Geelong and St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium, on July 16, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
GEELONG star Max Holmes will undergo surgery on Friday after suffering a right ankle fracture and syndesmosis injury in Thursday night’s 27-point victory over St Kilda.<\/p>\n
The hard-running midfielder was sent for further medical assessment after the match, with the club confirming the extent of the injury on Friday.<\/p>\n
Holmes’ right foot got trapped underneath him in a contest inside 50 in the fourth quarter, and he was in a moonboot and on crutches after the match.<\/p>\n
Holmes’ setback comes at a crucial stage of the season for the Cats, who banked an important win over the Saints to keep their top-six hopes alive but were left counting the cost on the injury front.<\/p>\n
Geelong has not provided a return-to-play timeframe, with the club to wait until Holmes has made initial progress following surgery before outlining the next steps in his recovery.<\/p>\n
The injury is a significant blow given Holmes’ importance to Geelong’s midfield mix, where his pace, running power and ability to break lines have been key features of his game.<\/p>\n
“It was pretty clear that he couldn’t come back on, so that’s always my measure in the immediate aftermath,” coach Chris Scott said after the match.<\/p>\n
“I think everyone says syndesmosis these days. There has been that suggestion but I covered my ears, to be honest. I’ll just wait to see what it is and deal with it when we know.”<\/p>\n
Forward Shaun Mannagh (hamstring tightness) also finished the match on the bench.<\/p>\n
Last week the Cats lost spearhead forward Jeremy Cameron for four to six weeks with an AC injury that required surgery during the week.<\/p>\n