OLLIE Hollands has distinct recollections of former footballers coming to his primary school at St Monica’s in Wodonga.

But on Tuesday, the first-year Blue was the homecoming hero.

When Hollands was a student, the likes of Richmond and North Melbourne visited to leave a lasting impression on the young Carlton supporter.

This time around, during the Club’s first community camp in a number of years, there was a distinct amount of Navy Blue in Wodonga — both from current players and the next generation.

“It’s what footy is about,” Hollands said.

“It’s pretty special to be back at your old primary school: I actually just ran into my old principal and year six teacher.

“There’s a lot of fond memories here, so it’s good to come back and share my story here with the kids.

“To be able to come back to my old primary school is something I’ve wanted to do since I was drafted, so it’s awesome to be back here.”

Growing up, Hollands was a Carlton supporter who - despite his dad playing for Richmond - always had a love for the Blues because of his great-grandfather, Martin Cross.

Now the fourth elite footballer in his family (brother Elijah is a Gold Coast Sun), Hollands was asked what advice he would give to his younger self.

“As a kid, I loved footy growing up. If I was to look back as a 10-or-11-year-old me, I would look back with a big smile on my face,” he said.

“I’ve only been in the system for a couple of a months and it’s still a massive whirlwind.

“There’s been a bit of family history at the Club and to be able to continue that on has been pretty special.

“I’m just trying to stay in the moment and make the most of every opportunity at the Club.”