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Full Noise by SN
Carlton reward troubled star with second chance
SEN • February 23rd, 2026 6:03 pm
Carlton have made a call on their final SSP spot, rewarding Elijah Hollands with a second chance after a turbulent 2025.
A former first round pick, Hollands' talent has never been in question, featuring 22 times in 2024 as one of the Blues' best users on and ahead of the ball.
However, a difficult season dealing with personal matters saw the 23-year-old feature just five times in '25, with the talent falling out of favour with the club due to ongoing off-field issues.
With the club prepared to give up on Hollands at the conclusion of last season, the former Sun stepped up over the off-season, hardly putting a foot wrong during the club's pre-season after being offered the chance to trial for an SSP spot.
And as confirmed by 7News' Xander McGuire, Elijah Hollands has been rewarded for his efforts, earning a spot on the Blues' list for the 2026 season.
Former Giants key defender Wade Derksen continues to trial for the Blues' final SSP selection, with the deadline being extended to March 2nd.
