The week started with Ollie Hollands getting the privilege to announce to the rest of the Blues playing group older brother Elijah was making his club debut in an “awesome” moment.
It ended on an even better note, with Ollie, 20 years old, and Elijah, 21, getting a win in their first game together.
Carlton blew away North Melbourne by 56 points on Good Friday in an emphatic display from Michael Voss’ side, led by a combined nine-goal domination from Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
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Elijah impressed too, recording 22 disposals, six marks and five tackles and kicking a goal as one of his side’s prime movers.
Fair to say Blues fans would’ve liked what they saw from their recruit, who, like his brother, is a former first-round draft pick and equally promising player for the years ahead.
Speaking to foxfooty.com.au post-match, Ollie described the experience of running out alongside Elijah for the first time as “special”.
“Not many brothers get to play with each other. It’s been a really solid pre-season and for him to get the call up this week was pretty special,” he said.
“I absolutely loved it and it was nice to get the win as well. It’s very, very special to be able to play with him.”
Elijah, a former Pick 7 acquired from Gold Coast in a trade last off-season, had only just become eligible for selection in Michael Voss’ side after serving a two-game suspension as part of an official drugs strike.
It’s been a topical subject this week after “damning” accusations against the AFL of secret drug tests in bombshell cover-up claims made by Federal MP Andrew Wilkie in federal parliament.
Ollie said the family was “pretty shocked” when it first learned of Elijah’s misstep, but credited his brother for putting his best foot forward since.
“Knowing Elijah, we knew it was a one time mistake,” Ollie said.
“He’s really gotten to work on this and made sure he didn’t make this an imprint on the family – it’s definitely something we wont stand for.
“I think Elijah has absolutely responded in an unbelievable manner. The way he’s been able to express himself around the footy club as a young emerging player, but also as a real leader.
“It’s probably a lesson we’re really glad we were able to catch really early. I think he’s done a really good job coming back today and made a really good impression.”
It was sentiment also echoed by Voss, who praised Elijah for the way he responded to his slip up as a standout over the pre-season.
The Blues coach described the recruit’s inclusion to the team as an “easy” decision and was “bullish” about his role moving forward.
“The first conversation I had with him when the deal went through was that he gets a fresh set of eyes,” Voss said of Elijah reporters.
“But what I do expect is you put your head down and work hard and earn respect that way. He’s been fantastic at that.
“I mentioned Harry (McKay) as being a top three (performer) over the course of the pre-season and Elijah has been one of them as well.
“He’s put his head down and gone about earning the respect of his teammates. What we saw tonight was probably what we’ve seen a fair bit of over pre-season.
“He got to play in the role he’ll probably play a fair bit in. And he had an impact tonight, which was great to see.”
Having both their parents in attendance at Marvel Stadium made Friday’s win extra special for the Hollands brothers. Ollie said they “wouldn’t be here without mum and dad and the sacrifices they’ve made”.
“Coming from a country town in Albury–Wodonga, (they’ve helped us with) a lot of travel. Hopefully we were able to do the proud of them,” the youngster said.
One moment particularly stood out, with Elijah kicking his first goal for the club in the fourth quarter before being swarmed by teammates as well as an EPL-inspired celebration from his little brother.
“It’s a Tottenham Hotspurs celebration from one of the key players signed (Son Heung-min) – he does a photo celebration,” Ollie explained.
“We sort of planned it before. It was nice for him to get his moment, kick the goal and celebrate after.”
With it, the Blues, coming off their bye, improved to 3-0 in a strong start to their season to currently sit fourth on the AFL ladder.
“We’ve been really consistent with how we want to play with our contest and pressure, but also bring real joy to the group. I feel like we were able to do that today,” Ollie added.
“We also want to celebrate being good teammates and selfish acts. I think if we keep nailing that, we’ll be a really consistent side.
“Absolutely loving what we’re doing here at the club. It’s special bringing our fans along for the ride.”
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