Carlton winger Elijah Hollands will make his return at AFL level in the Good Friday clash after he spent an extended stint on the sidelines while dealing with personal issues.
Hollands was one of the top recruits of 2024 after crossing from the Gold Coast, playing in a career-high 22 games for the season while averaging 17.8 disposals and booting 17 goals for the year.
Hollands didn't feature in Round 1 after the Blues announced Hollands would take leave, but the 22-year-old has shown promising signs of returning after playing VFL football in the weekend of Round 4, alongside another Blue on leave, Harry McKay.
McKay made his return in Gather Round, and coach Michael Voss confirmed on Thursday that Hollands would be another welcome inclusion into the side for Round 6's Good Friday match against North Melbourne.
"He took his leave and has got to work ever since. I can't fault the way he's been able to approach the last little period of time - he's earned the right to get back in," Voss said.
"He's got a role to play, a very important role to play for us. We want to be able to establish that consistency with the way he plays: he improves our system at his very best.
"The expectation is that he comes in, gets his job done and will hopefully contribute to a win in the end."
The Blues overcame their sluggish start to 2025 with a win over West Coast at Gather Round, although returning member McKay was quickly subbed off after suffering a concussion from a head clash.
Carlton will be hoping Hollands' return goes smoother, however, as they look to continue winning form after their shock 0-4 start.
