Hot Topic Will Elijah Hollands get another gig at Carlton?

[Aphrodite]

No speculating on alleged 'rumours'

Thanks all!

Folks, this is the way things are here.

Posters are responsible for what they post. Moderators can not attest to the accuracy or otherwise of any rumour posted.

Moderators will intervene for a couple of reasons.

1. If a thread is threatening to be derailed because of a post.

2. If invested parties request the removal of material.

None of this draws a conclusion as to the accuracy or otherwise of the original post.

There is no need to further speculate. What will be will be.
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Also, you need to remember that this thread like all parts of this forum is bound by the rules of poster conduct. If you want to express skepticism towards a rumour that's fine, but having a crack at posters who are contributors to this forum is simply not on and will be acted upon.

Simply put, don't be a dick.

Thanks all!

 

[AndyLucimitis]

I think the elephant in the room with Lij is Ollie, and has that relationship broken down, are they talking and ‘matey’ on the track or do they avoid each other?

They seemed to be talking and kind of matey on the track yesterday. When Lij went down with a knock Ollie was first one over to him to help him up.

 

[Bamboo Harvester]

It's great that Walsh is taking Lij under his wing..
Show him support..
Mentor him..
Encourage him..
Help Lij reach his potential.

...
Then take him to the Hawks or Cats in 2027

Maybe the club think that living with Walshy is punishment enough

 

[RPCB]

I find it impressive that a 25 year old has been tasked with baby sitting a 23 year old.

 

[DirkDiggler]

Thoughts on playing Elijah predominantly in the midfield should he be granted a list spot? Blessed with stamina, disposal efficiency and decision making, imo he possesses the three qualities our other mids lack.

 

[Robertio]

Thoughts on playing Elijah predominantly in the midfield should he be granted a list spot? Blessed with stamina, disposal efficiency and decision making, imo he possesses the three qualities our other mids lack.

100% mate but why would our match committee do the obvious, blind Freddy can see we need some variety in the midfield and we can't expect Jagger Smith to come in straight away and dominate, it might take him a couple of games to do that

 

[lukep_86]

I think that Lij is now more likely than not to play for us next year.

Firstly, early in the pre season he was training with some of the boys which shows he's dedicated and still has some mares at the club. I think this was prior to his demisting but shows he's not on the outer as much as I thought.

From the training photos, he is looking lean..and probably the leanest I've seen him. Shows how hard he's been training and how dedicated he is to earning not only his spot but the trust of the club back.

Finished second in the time trial, he's clearly very hard to build his fitness.

He fills a need, and is way ahead of any other player we can bring in. Would be over the moon if he’s playing with us in 2026.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Thoughts on playing Elijah predominantly in the midfield should he be granted a list spot? Blessed with stamina, disposal efficiency and decision making, imo he possesses the three qualities our other mids lack.

He's also slow though. He's not taking Crippa's spot. He's not taking Hewett's spot as George is stronger and more defensive.

Maybe he is competing with Cooper Lord, but I'm backing in Lord's attitude and determination.

Elijah has not shown nearly enough to suggest he should be a full time midfielder, but I'm happy to see who should miss out im the minds of others.

 

[Bamboo Harvester]

Thoughts on playing Elijah predominantly in the midfield should he be granted a list spot? Blessed with stamina, disposal efficiency and decision making, imo he possesses the three qualities our other mids lack.

Nup, he's the stereotypical high half forward who provides that link between back half and forward half, and can run all day.

Basically the Cottrell role, but more skillful and much better delivery into the forward line. The delivery to our forwards last year was disastrous, it's one of Elijah's best assets.

 

[marcmurphy3]

It's great that Walsh is taking Lij under his wing..
Show him support..
Mentor him..
Encourage him..
Help Lij reach his potential.

...
Then take him to the Hawks or Cats in 2027

Thanks to our delisting him, he will be a free agent for life, so its not that far fetched .

 

[wingedblue]

I don't know how to insert a photo but Lij and Ollie together in some Instagram stories on Lij's page today, all smiles.

 

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Thoughts on playing Elijah predominantly in the midfield should he be granted a list spot? Blessed with stamina, disposal efficiency and decision making, imo he possesses the three qualities our other mids lack.

I think our midfield is pretty cluttered as it is, if Lij goes in does that mean George or Cerra play VFL or does this stop Jagga being able to run through.. IMO it will be 3 of Motlop, Ainsworth, Moir and Lij battling it out for the small/medium forward roles

 

[Blue By Blood]

He's also slow though. He's not taking Crippa's spot. He's not taking Hewett's spot as George is stronger and more defensive.

Maybe he is competing with Cooper Lord, but I'm backing in Lord's attitude and determination.

Elijah has not shown nearly enough to suggest he should be a full time midfielder, but I'm happy to see who should miss out im the minds of others.

I'm not sure he's suggesting Elijah should be a full time mid- in fact in the modern game there are very few full time mids left. Being able to play multiple positions is super important. But a 70% forward/ 30% midfield split would be good. The more bodies we rotate through there gives our main mids more time to recover- something I've been critical of us in the past. We run our main mids into the ground and it makes it harder for them to stay with opposition the longer the game goes on.

What Elijah does possess, and I can see why some are suggesting mid time, is elite endurance, poise with the ball, good decision making, and tidy disposal. It makes sense to get him in there in bursts.

Edit: I see he did in fact say predominantly mid. Yeah I don't think he should be predominantly mid. As I said maybe 70 fwd / 30 mid split. But the point stands that he has midfield qualities.

 

[GT619]

Right now, I am saying he will be at the club next year.

if he does, our front half will look dangerous to go with hayward and ainsworth

 

[Bearded Carpenter]

It's great that Walsh is taking Lij under his wing..
Show him support..
Mentor him..
Encourage him..
Help Lij reach his potential.

...
Then take him to the Hawks or Cats in 2027

That PM you sent me a month or so ago was bang on about the situation. As I promised you, have not and will not share.

Credit where credit is due.

 

[FitzroyBlueBagger]

Thoughts on playing Elijah predominantly in the midfield should he be granted a list spot? Blessed with stamina, disposal efficiency and decision making, imo he possesses the three qualities our other mids lack.

Possesses everything ability wise other than leg speed, can be another rotation throughout there with the right combination in balance of midfielders together…

 

[4flagsin5yrs]

if he does, our front half will look dangerous to go with hayward and ainsworth

Moir the one for me.

The others help, of course, as all are legitimate targets....

 

[Soapy V]

I think that Lij is now more likely than not to play for us next year.

I think we need to settle down a bit

We are two weeks into pre season and haven’t even got to Xmas break yet. There is another 8-9 weeks before a decision needs to be made and White is also training well. Also may depend on needs.

What if Weitering Pittonet or McKay go down with a 12 week injury?

Early signs are very positive but if a week is a long time in football then 2 months is an eternity especially with what Elijah has been dealing with.

 

[NewDarkNavyBlues]

I can’t underscore enough how talented this kid is and how important he is to our team. We haven’t even seen the best of him yet. I don’t care who has to baby sit him or how old they are - get him fit, mentally healthy and firing for 2026.

 

[heatleystandend]

Carlton supporters never learn. Year after year we over value our players. Hollands just another in a long list.

 

[Kismet]

Carlton supporters never learn. Year after year we over value our players. Hollands just another in a long list.

Most of the time that's true, but with Elijah I make an exception. He was drafted at #7 in his draft year (admittedly in a very average pool) and shows great foot skills and vision.

IF he's reformed, then he could become a key player.

 

[marcmurphy3]

Carlton supporters never learn. Year after year we over value our players. Hollands just another in a long list.

I think the opposite. I think people have very short memories.

Lij has shown he can be a a genuine match winner. Cant say that about many on our list. Still young. Had one very good season first up, then didn't play.

Most the players in the category you speak, have either never performed at the level Elijah has or done it for a couple of games then been average for several years.

Also, his strengths lie in several areas we are poor. Running, kicking, good overhead & on the ground, able to play mid & forward.

 

[Aphrodite]

I don't know how to insert a photo but Lij and Ollie together in some Instagram stories on Lij's page today, all smiles.

Father & sons …

 

[gab213]

I don't know how to insert a photo but Lij and Ollie together in some Instagram stories on Lij's page today, all smiles.

The story regarding some sort of rift between the brothers was always BS. They are close, always have been. I can't see Ollie abandoning him in his time of need, regardless of what happens at the Club.

 

[gab213]

Father & sons …

View attachment 2488380

A family united in its support, it gives me confidence in Elijah making it through this.

 

[RPCB]

The story regarding some sort of rift between the brothers was always BS. They are close, always have been. I can't see Ollie abandoning him in his time of need, regardless of what happens at the Club.

It’s wild we have lots of supporters who question if Ollie and Lij are on friendly terms, just because they don’t feel the need to advertise they are on friendly terms for the benefit of our supporters every few days.