The Rising Stars of Carlton: Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands
In the world of Australian Rules Football, few things are as captivating as watching young talent emerge and grow into their potential. For Carlton Football Club, the 2024 season has been particularly exciting, thanks in part to two young stars who have formed a special bond on and off the field: Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands. These two boyhood Bluebaggers not only arrived at the club at the same time, but they also made their debuts in the same game, marking the beginning of what looks to be a bright future for both players and the club.
Both Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands came to Carlton with big reputations from their junior careers. Hailing from different parts of Australia, their journeys to the AFL followed similar trajectories: they were both standout performers in their respective junior leagues, and both were highly touted during the draft period. Their selection by Carlton in the 2022 AFL draft sparked excitement among the Bluebagger faithful, who hoped that these two young players would help lead the club to future success.
Cowan, a tough and versatile defender from Tasmania, was known for his fearless approach and ability to shut down dangerous forwards. Hollands, on the other hand, is a classy and hardworking midfielder, renowned for his ability to cover ground and deliver the ball with precision. While their skill sets are different, both players share an uncompromising work ethic and a deep passion for the game, which has endeared them to their teammates and coaches alike.
It’s rare for two players to debut in the same game and even rarer for them to do so with such chemistry already in place. Yet that’s exactly what happened when Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands donned the famous navy blue guernsey for the first time. It was Round 1 of the 2023 season, and the anticipation was palpable. As they ran out onto the field, they were not only fulfilling lifelong dreams but doing so together as friends and teammates.
Both players acquitted themselves well on debut. Cowan, true to form, displayed his defensive prowess, making several crucial tackles and intercepts that helped keep the opposition at bay. Hollands, meanwhile, was tireless in the midfield, showcasing his ability to win the ball and distribute it effectively. While Carlton didn’t get the win that day, the performances of their two young stars gave fans plenty to be excited about.
Fast forward to 2024, and the bond between Cowan and Hollands has only grown stronger. Their friendship off the field has translated into an impressive on-field partnership, with both players continuing to improve and complement each other’s games. Cowan’s defensive abilities have matured, and he has become a key player in Carlton’s backline. His ability to read the play and shut down opposition attacks has been crucial, and his leadership qualities are beginning to shine through.
Hollands, meanwhile, has continued to develop into one of the club’s most reliable midfielders. His fitness levels are among the best at the club, and his ability to cover ground and win the ball in contested situations has made him a valuable asset. Hollands’ connection with Cowan has been evident in several games, with the two often linking up in transition from defense to attack. It’s clear that they understand each other’s games, and this has helped them thrive in Carlton’s system.
One of the standout moments of the 2024 season came in Round 8 when Carlton took on one of their biggest rivals. In a hard-fought match, both Cowan and Hollands were instrumental in securing a crucial win. Cowan’s defensive efforts kept the opposition’s forwards quiet, while Hollands was everywhere in the midfield, racking up disposals and helping drive the team forward. After the match, the two embraced, a symbol of their growing connection and the shared journey they are on.
As Carlton looks to the future, the development of Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands will be central to the club’s success. Both players represent the new generation of Bluebaggers, and their performances in 2024 have given fans plenty of reasons to believe that a bright future lies ahead. Their bond—both as friends and teammates—has been a key factor in their growth, and it’s clear that this connection will continue to strengthen as they gain more experience at the AFL level.
Cowan’s leadership in the backline and Hollands’ tireless work in the midfield are exactly what Carlton needs as they build towards sustained success. The club has been on a journey to return to its former glory, and with young talents like these two leading the way, that goal seems increasingly achievable.
Off the field, Cowan and Hollands have also become fan favorites. Their humility, work ethic, and passion for the club have endeared them to the Bluebagger faithful, who have embraced them as key figures in the team’s future. Whether it’s signing autographs after games or engaging with fans on social media, they have shown a genuine love for the club and its supporters, further cementing their place as beloved members of the Carlton family.
The bond between Lachie Cowan and Ollie Hollands is something special, and it’s been a joy for Carlton fans to watch it grow throughout 2024. From their debut in the same game to their continued development as key players for the club, these two young stars have shown that they have what it takes to help lead Carlton back to the top of the AFL ladder. As they continue to grow their games and strengthen their connection, there’s no doubt that the future looks bright for both players—and for the Carlton Football Club as a whole.
With their passion, talent, and determination, Cowan and Hollands are more than just teammates; they’re the foundation of Carlton’s next great chapter.
