Geelong midfielder Max Holmes will undergo surgery today to repair a right ankle fracture and syndesmosis injury.

Scans revealed the extent of Holmes' injury after landing awkwardly on his foot in the fourth quarter against St Kilda and failing to return to the field. He joined his teammates in a moonboot.

The Cats will provide a timeline following his initial progress after the surgery.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Max Holmes of the Cats in action during the round nine AFL match between Geelong Cats and GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on May 11, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Max Holmes of the Cats in action during the round nine AFL match between Geelong Cats and GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on May 11, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide's Zak Butters and Western Bulldogs recruit Connor Budarick suffered similar injuries in recent weeks. Both required surgery and are expected to miss the remainder of the home and away season.

Holmes joined teammate Shaun Mannagh on the pine, with the latter removed from the ground with hamstring tightness, further adding to the growing injury list at Kardinia Park.

Scott can't believe his luck, with reigning Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron needing surgery on an AC joint injury, ruling him out for at least a month.

"Obviously it's frustrating, but it is the game," Scott said.

"If you asked me a couple of weeks ago, who do you really not want to lose? Cameron and Holmes would be up there."

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Geelong made a whopping seven changes ahead of Thursday's 27-point win over St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium.

Gryan Miers was dominant, kicking three goals from 22 touches, whilst also handing off four direct goal assists.

Debutant Jay Polkinghorne impressed in his first AFL game, slotting 2.3, gathering 11 possessions and eight marks.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Jay Polkinghorne of the Cats in action during the Geelong Cats training session at GMHBA Stadium on May 15, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Jay Polkinghorne of the Cats in action during the Geelong Cats training session at GMHBA Stadium on May 15, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"I really liked his (Polkinghorne's) game. He's not just a jump-at-the-ball and mark guy, which he obviously does really well," Scott said.

"He's got some smarts to go with it. He's good at ground level. I thought he complemented our forward line really well."

Midfielder recruit James Worpel played his first game since Round 9 against Geelong, spending a large chunk in the VFL.

The former Hawk is set to retain his spot in the senior side, especially given Holmes' injury. Worpel impressed with 24 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles and a goal.

Scott managed Jack Martin, Mark Blicavs and Jake Kolodjashnij for the Saints clash while Tanner Bruhn missed with a neck injury, although he could be in line to return next week against Melbourne.

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