Wodonga's Elijah Hollands' AFL draft journey featured in documentary

The Border product, who was selected with pick seven to the Gold Coast Suns in last year's draft, provided exclusive access to a film crew throughout 2020.

The 15-minute episode followed Hollands from his first surgery on his knee in February to his recovery in isolation during the COVID-affected 2020 season.

Cameras were there for his first run and on draft night as he experienced the emotions of becoming an AFL player.

They also checked in on Hollands post-draft as he joined his new teammates at the Gold Coast Suns.

Hollands revealed he was contacted by Adelaide within a hour of the draft to inform him they would not take him with the number one selection.

"It wasn't expected from anyone that I was going to go to Adelaide anyway, I guess I was just on the tail end of the conversation of the boys in the mix," he said.

But after a few nervous moments, his dream became a reality thanks to the Suns.

"The first person to get in touch to make it feel like it was real was the coach, Stuart Dew," Hollands said.

"He just said 'congratulations, welcome to the Suns, we're pumped to have you on board' and obviously I felt the exact same way.

"Looking into the 2021 season, I think it's obvious the Suns are ready to explode.

"What I want to get out of my career starts now. I'm still getting myself fit to play and once I get fit to play it's just another opportunity and I'll just keep taking those opportunities that come my way.

"I look forward to over the next few years building a good foundation for hopefully what's a great career."

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Hollands described the early stages of his rehab from a ruptured ACL as "lonely" given the COVID-19 lockdown was in full effect.

"The cancellation of the NAB League, whilst it hurt me in terms of being a lower pick, I don't think it necessarily released pressure. I guess it added more wait time," he said.

"Footy makes things go quick. You get to your two training sessions a week and you have a game and then you wait for it again.

"Speaking to clubs at the start of the year and throughout the year, they reassured me I would get a chance somewhere and that was enough for me."

Hollands' parents Ben and Lisa, Murray Bushrangers coach Mark Brown and AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan were among those featured.

Journey to Draft, a 12-month documentary, followed two NAB League girls and boys players through their under-18 season in 2020 with a look to the future.

Ellie McKenzie (Richmond AFLW), Grace McRae (undrafted) and Connor Downie (Hawthorn AFL) were also documented.

Journey to Draft is broadcast on AFL On Demand on afl.com.au.

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