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Max Holmes didn’t get to enjoy Geelong’s 2022 premiership. Not the lead-in, or even the aftermath, as much as he was happy for his teammates.

But the fuel from missing out that day might have been the impetus for transforming him into a star.

The Cats’ midfield dasher was an aspirational then 30-gamer, who was starting to establish himself – but a horribly timed, minor hamstring injury was enough for coach Chris Scott to err on the side of caution and not pick him.

That decision proved an astute one, given Geelong pounded Sydney by 81 points for their 10th VFL/AFL flag, but Holmes admits his relationship with Scott needed to be repaired afterwards.

And while the 23-year-old’s grand final misfortune is intrinsically linked with his journey to this Saturday’s decider against

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