YEAR one for Ollie Hollands was special.

And, for one reason in particular, he sees 2024 as being an even bigger upgrade on his first.

Hollands settled in seamlessly to life in his boyhood Navy Blue, playing 19 games. He debuted in front of over 88,000 people on debut, than showed poise belying his years when he was subbed on in the semi final against Melbourne with 96,412 in attendance.

Yet it’s the moment which is still to come - running out alongside his older brother Elijah - which Ollie has got his sights set on.

“It’s been super special,” Ollie told Channel 9.

“Having your brother there gives you another purpose to play footy.

“He’s going really well. It’s been nice to be able connect with him both on and off the field, we live together.”

Hollands’ first season at the elite level gave him the perfect education when it came to how much of a rollercoaster AFL football can really be.

After being undefeated in his opening month (three wins and a draw), Hollands himself only celebrated one more win until his return from injury in Round 19 as the team embarked on a memorable run towards September.

It’s given him the perfect grounding as he prepares for another year in Navy Blue.

“We know that we’ve got to keep getting better. We had a bit of exposure getting some finals opportunities, but we know we’ve got to keep growing because the competition is getting better.

“We’ve got to take it up another level.”