The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed young midfielder Elijah Hollands will make his debut this weekend against cross-town rivals Brisbane.
Hollands joined the Queensland club as the seventh overall selection in the 2020 National Draft and has since bided his time outside of the senior circle due to injury and development.
After an impressive run in the VFL this year, the Suns have finally looked toward the 20-year-old to be a key piece in their engine room at AFL level.
Within the club's announcement of his maiden match, Hollands expressed his delight to be making his debut in the QClash.
“It’s a very surreal feeling and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in on Saturday night - to be able to live out the dream of playing AFL footy is very exciting,” Hollands said, via Suns Media.
“It has been a journey coming in with the rehab group and not getting stuck into footy until late last year in my first season.
“I’ve been working with Rhyce Shaw, Jackson Kornberg, Stuart Dew and Steven King to work on some of the gaps in my game to help me perform the best I can.
“I’ve definitely got the confidence I’m ready to go out there and I know if I bring my best footy I’ll be able to perform and match it with the best.
“I’ll have great support from the boys and I’m sure they’ll look after me in my first game.”
Hollands becomes the third Gold Coast player to make his debut this season, following in the steps of James Tsitas and Hewago Oea from recent weeks.
The Suns are scheduled to clash with Brisbane at 7:10pm (AEST) on Saturday night at the Gabba.