THE FIRST year was a whirlwind.
When Ollie Hollands arrived at his boyhood club in the 2022 AFL draft, he simply couldn’t have imagined how it would’ve panned out.
Playing 19 games in his debut season, Hollands debuted in front of nearly 90,000 people, picked up a Rising Star nomination and was involved in that passage of play which led to semi final victory.
Now with that behind him, the second-year Blue is already up to 36 career games - he’s played 17 of 18 available matches this year - and he’s feeling more and more at home with each passing week.
It’s easy to forget the youngster is still just 20 years of age.
“In your first year, you’re a bit of a sponge and just trying to learn as much as you can. In your second year, you get a bit more of an idea of what works for you and what player you’re becoming,” Hollands told RSN this morning.
“I’ve learned so much over my first two years. It’s about being as consistent as I can in the role I play.
“With my role, a lot of it consists of getting back to support our defence and then trying to challenge off offence.”
Hollands was impressive on the weekend, collecting 17 disposals and a goal - plus some crucial defensive acts - as the Blues came from behind to record a 19-point win over an improved Roos outfit.
But Hollands and the Blues won’t get the chance to dwell on their victory for too long, facing their second five-day break of the season when they host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
We've been waiting to share this one with you. And now, finally, the worst-kept secret in Carlton is out.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 22, 2024
𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.
“Obviously it’s a quick turnaround. We’ll have a main session on Wednesday, review the game in deep lengths, looking at some of the roles we want to highlight and then turn our heads towards Port. It’s a big game for us. We’re after consistency.
“For us, we know what we’re capable of as a football side when we’re playing our best footy, bringing the things that matter most to us — that’s our contest and pressure.
“If we can get that done, the rest will take care of itself.”
Even if there’s a five-day break, there’s still the chance for a hit of golf with his brother.
“We try to get out as much as we can.
“I came away with 35 points, ‘Lij’ had 32. Ha.”
