KICKING off 2025 in a new role, Ollie Hollands has made a seamless transition to life in the backline.
After previously playing on the wing, Hollands found himself filling in across half back late in the 2024 season - and he hasn’t looked back since.
Impressing with his speed behind the ball, he was moved to train permanently with the defenders during the 2025 pre-season and has remained a key part of the group.
Embracing the change, Hollands admits he’s loving the challenge and variety the role brings, particularly the balance of being able to play both defence and offence.
“The thing I’m loving the most about is the opportunity to not only play as a defender, but also be involved in transition,” Hollands said.
“I’m loving the challenge of getting an opponent every week, trying to keep them from kicking goals and having an influence. But on the back of it, as soon as we win the ball, I get the opportunity to go and play with a bit of freedom and try and challenge and get our ball movement going.”
Not only is the 21-year-old loving the freedom in his role, he’s also thriving in living out his dream: being an AFL player.
As a boyhood Bluebagger, he’s soaking up every moment on the field, leading to him changing his perspective on himself as a player and a person.
“I’ve always wanted to be an AFL footballer and I think while you’re in that moment, you can bypass the fact that you’re here and getting the chance to live our your dream,” he said.
“I try and look at football in general as a broad perspective and take it for what it is and enjoy it, rather than have so much weight and expectation around it. In my first few years there was a little bit of that where I was trying to be someone who I wasn’t, but now I get to play my role and have fun.
“For me, being able to flick that switch and change my perspective has made me really enjoy my footy.”
Playing a key role in Sunday’s win over Essendon, Hollands collected 23 disposals, seven score involvements and six intercept possessions, making an impact at both ends of the ground.
Voted player of the match by Carlton fans, the Wodonga product’s tireless work rate and versatility continue to impress, whether behind the ball or pushing forward.
True to his humble nature, Hollands was quick to shift the praise to his fellow defenders, crediting the entire backline - who finished with 22 intercept marks against the Bombers - for their collective effort in tough conditions.
“We’ve really wanted to go after [our defence] and make it a serious threat for the teams we come up against,” he said.
“It’s a true testament to the experience that we have in that backline – not only do we have some great individual assets, but the way we communicate and support each other, encourage when to go and when to challenge is really good.”
