THE START of a beautiful journey. 

19-year-old Ollie Hollands had played 11 consecutive games in his AFL career before sustaining a broken collarbone, but there’s not much that can dampen the young winger’s spirits. 

Being drafted to his childhood club last November was just the beginning of a dream run for Hollands, who showed up to IKON Park admittedly star-struck but mostly ready to show what he could do. 

With a stomach full of nerves and a heart full of drive, Hollands got to meet - and play alongside - some of his former heroes who quickly turned into friends. 

“On draft night, having my name read out to the Blues was very special and I’m loving it so far,” Hollands said. 

“Around the Club - particularly the first few weeks - was very nerve-wracking, being around some of the bigger boys like ‘Crippa’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Walshy’ . . . the list goes on.”

The doubts did cross Hollands’ mind, but he knew if he put in the work, he could make an impact to the group in his first season. 

“It was nerve-wracking coming in. I was thinking, 'How will I go?, 'How will I go against the bigger guys?', 'How am I going to go at training?',” he said.

“There were those nerves early on, trying to put your best foot forward but besides that, it’s been a smooth ride so far.” 

Moving from his hometown of Wodonga to Geelong Grammar in Year 12, living independently wasn’t foreign to Hollands, but one thing he has noticed is the difference between the Geelong and Melbourne bubble. 

“Being in Melbourne is a bit busier – you’ve got the Melbourne bubble and there’s a lot going on the majority of the time but it’s been great,” he said. 

“I live with Harry Lemmey, he’s a very good roommate – we’ve built a really strong connection being drafted together and now moving in together. 

“He’s a great player and he’s a great person to live with. There’s a bit of banter that goes on in the house and a lot of FIFA, a lot of trash talk.” 

Hollands had the privilege of debuting in Round 1 at the MCG alongside another fellow draftee - and boyhood Blue - in Lachie Cowan.

With nearly 90,000 fans in attendance, it was a surreal experience for the 19-year-old just to be out there for the season opener, let alone having his first AFL game end in a draw.

What was most special for Hollands - he said - was debuting alongside someone who's fast becoming a good friend. 

“It was unbelievable: being able to make your debut in Round 1 is awesome, and to be able to share that moment with ‘Cow’ playing his first game as well was really special," he said.

“The whole pre-season was built up to hopefully come in and have a good impact at AFL level and to get that opportunity to play Round 1 was really special. 

“It was a very exciting game, having the draw. The nerves were moreso around excitement, being able to run out there in the Navy Blue guernsey for the first time.” 

From there, Hollands played 11 consecutive games, where the winger showcased in elite running capacity displayed from a young age, as well as a no-nonsense approach to his football.

That was on display in games one and two, taking on the likes of Tom Lynch - in his first quarter of football - and a red-hot Jeremy Cameron when the game was there to be won and lost.

A crucial of the modern-day wingman is staying connected, with not only Hollands' speed - but also his personality - making him the right fit for the role.

"A lot of it revolves around being a good teammate, staying connected with the high half-forwards and defenders and being able to get back and support,” he said. 

“There’s the element of trying to challenge, trying to get forward, kick a goal here and there – a lot of it is about holding our width and being connected, just being a good teammate.” 

Fellow winger and Carlton newcomer Blake Acres has had a huge role to play in Hollands’ development and foray into AFL football, not only being a mentor in the wing role, but a support for him through injury. 

“Blake has been really good for me, even now being injured . . . to be able to go over vision and feedback,” he said.  

“‘Doc’ as well, he’s been really good for me – in terms of perspective and resilience as well, going through my own injury and my own rehab. In terms of the locker room, they’re on both sides of me, so I’m lucky.”

It was a collision with Lance Franklin with just seconds left in the third quarter that saw Hollands suffer a broken collarbone: the first setback in his AFL career.

However, even that wasn't going to stop him from putting his best foot forward and supporting his teammates as he looks to a more positive back-end of season 2023 for the team.

“The big thing is been trying to keep a positive lid on it, coming in here and being open-minded, get my rehab done and try to get back as soon as I can,” he said. 

“As a club, there’s still so much to show. Being in this position that we’re in, 14 rounds in, there’s still so much to be able to show this year.

“We have to come in and bring that positive energy. In rehab, if I just have a smile on my face and ask the boys how they’re going, just checking in, that’s the best I can do and the rest will take care of itself.”