MARTIN Cross first did it in the 1960s. Ollie Hollands followed him in 2023.

Now Elijah Hollands is ready to become the third player in his family to pull on the Navy Blue jumper in September.

In doing so, the Hollands brothers would become just the sixth set of Carlton brothers to play alongside one another in a final — and the first duo in 65 years, after John and Don Nicholls.

The two have been riding the wave since Elijah’s arrival at the Blues last year from Gold Coast, with the older brother primed for his first September campaign in the AFL.

“It’s not something you think will ever happen. Now that we’ve got the opportunity, it’s pretty cool,” Elijah told Channel 7 on Wednesday night.

Ollie has already had some experience in footy’s most-coveted month, starting against Brisbane in last year’s preliminary final with the Blues to return to the Gabba this weekend.

Of course, he made his finals debut a week prior when he was subbed on against Melbourne, having a crucial part to play in that Blake Acres goal.

In doing so, he channelled their great-grandfather — Martin Cross.

Cross came onto the ground late in the 1961 semi final against Melbourne as the 19th man, which the Blues won by two points. Some 62 years later, Hollands came onto the ground late in the 2023 semi final against Melbourne as the sub, which the Blues won by two points. 

It would kickstart a Carlton connection which is still going strong decades later.

“Our family is all massive Carlton supporters. Our great-grandfather, who’s still alive, played here in the ’60s — played 36 games,” Ollie said.

Carlton siblings to play together in finals
Most recent final in brackets

Ken and Bernie Baxter (1949 Grand Final)
Sarah and Jess Hosking (2020 semi final)
Jim and Ted Kennedy (1905 preliminary final)
Colin and Aubrey Martyn (1930 semi final)
Henry and Joe McShane (1904 Grand Final)
John and Don Nicholls (1959 preliminary final)