Draft Spotlight #5 | Oliver Hollands

Written by Nathan Sepe

As part of the 2022 National Draft Coverage, Blue Abroad will place the spotlight on some potential draftees for the Carlton Football Club. 

The fifth player in the spotlight is Oliver Hollands, the agile and endurance-based athlete who can break the game open across all areas of the ground with his evasive and creative nature with the ball in hand. 

Carlton currently holds picks 10, 29, 49, and 66 in the upcoming AFL Draft, meaning the Blues would be likely to take Hustwaite at pick 10 if the opportunity arises. 

Hollands played his Under-18 football at the Murray Bushrangers this season, playing five games, including a standout performance against the Sandringham Dragons in the Wildcard Round, where he put on a show against some of the best midfielders in the state. 

Whilst not playing many games at NAB League level, Hollands started his year off in the AFL Academy, playing well and impressing in the match against Collingwood’s VFL side. 

For Hollands, his endurance is his biggest weapon, providing extra support across the half-back flank, whilst also having the ability to transition forward and open gaps through the corridor. 

Hollands performance levels increased during the Under 18 National Championships, where he showcased his talents across the board as a prolific ball winner, with the ability to challenge the game with pinpoint accuracy kicking. 

Hollands had 23 disposals in the unofficial Grand Final against Vic Metro, whilst compiling over 30 disposals against Western Australia. 

During the AFL National Draft Combine, Hollands won the 2km time trial, with a time of 5:54 seconds, beating the record from 2021. 

Hollands shapes up as the ultimate all-rounder for any AFL club to snatch and make use of, as his efficiency with the ball creates multiple inside 50 entry opportunities, as well as defensive 50 rebounds that kick-start transitional play down the wings or through the corridor. 

During his five games at NAB League level for the Bushrangers, Hollands averaged 23.8 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 marks, 12 kicks, and 5.8 inside 50’s. 

Hollands’ main weakness lies in his strength, which is not a major downfall of his game considering his size and position on the field, however when the game gets contested, Hollands is more unlikely to make a play for himself inside a contest, however, provides great tackling pressure within stoppages, another positive aspect of his game. 

Hollands however is able to combat this weakness through his endurance, which often gives him the advantage in positional awareness over others due to the space he can create and make ground on before opposition. 

Hollands ability this season to enhance his decision-making and tactical awareness provides great balance for any team he plays for, whether he is played as an outside midfielder with an attacking mindset, or conversely as a defensive midfielder with a strong emphasis on tracking back and creating space in transition. 

Similar to David Cunningham’s game style, Hollands would be a great investment to the list, which can often be screaming out for some two-way running on the wing. 

Hollands compliments the forward half that relies on precise kicking to hit up a Curnow or McKay, whilst also complimenting the defensive half that has pinpoint accuracy with the likes of Saad and Weitering. 

The Blues could take multiple routes down the draft road, with Holland being the most fitting of prospects, unless a pick swap happens before you’re reading this piece. 

Will we be seeing more to come from Hollands in navy blue? 

Chance of landing at the Blues: 90%