Carlton's Elijah Hollands Ruled Out After On-Field Incident

Carlton Football Club player Elijah Hollands will not play in the team's upcoming match following an on-field incident described by the club as a mental health episode.

The AFL has requested the outcome of Carlton's internal review into the circumstances surrounding Hollands' participation in the match, as the club provides support to the player.

Match Result and Key Events

Carlton lost to Collingwood by five points in an AFL match at the MCG on Thursday night. The final score was Collingwood 13.10 (88) to Carlton 12.11 (83).

• Carlton player Talor Byrne received a free kick with 15 seconds remaining while his team trailed by six points. His kick after the final siren, which would have tied the scores, was unsuccessful.
• Carlton forward Harry McKay was ruled out of the game after sustaining a head knock in the final term. Coach Michael Voss confirmed McKay would miss the following week's match against Fremantle but did not comment on whether the player failed a Head Injury Assessment.
• The loss was Carlton's fifth defeat in its first six matches of the season, bringing its record to one win and five losses.

Incident Involving Elijah Hollands

During the match, Carlton utility player Elijah Hollands recorded one disposal, an ineffective kick in the third quarter. He played approximately 60-75% of the game before being benched for most of the final quarter.

• Footage circulated on social media showing Hollands making gestures on the field. Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph described the footage as showing Hollands making a gesture towards teammates and the crowd, and noted he was seen talking to Collingwood players during the match.
• Following the game, Carlton coach Michael Voss stated that Hollands was "shattered with his game" and was emotional. Voss said Hollands expressed disappointment with his performance and felt he had let people down.
• Voss explained the decision to bench Hollands in the final quarter, stating it was based on determining the best on-field player mix and that Hollands "wasn't having a great night."

Club and League Response

The day after the match, Carlton released a statement describing the incident as a "mental health episode" and stating that Hollands' welfare was the priority. The club said it is providing "close and ongoing care" and is in contact with the AFL and the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA).

• Carlton CEO Graham Wright stated the club was aware Hollands was "struggling in the game" and that he has a history of anxiety. Wright said the club does not suspect alcohol or illicit substances were involved "at this stage," but that an investigation is ongoing.
• On Saturday, the AFL released a statement confirming player health and wellbeing is its highest priority. The league stated it has requested Carlton provide the outcome of its internal review into the circumstances relating to Hollands' fitness to play and will continue to make inquiries.
• Journalist Caroline Wilson reported on 3AW radio that, according to her sources, some Collingwood players have informed the AFL that Hollands told them he had been drinking alcohol. This claim has not been independently verified.

Ongoing Developments and Background

• Carlton has ruled Hollands out of its next match against Fremantle and confirmed he will not travel to Perth.
• The club is conducting a review of the circumstances leading up to the match, which it aims to complete this week. The findings will be provided to the AFL.
• Hollands, 23, has previously spoken publicly about managing mental health challenges and alcohol-related issues. He took personal leave from Carlton twice in 2023, was delisted at the end of that season, and was re-signed after training with the club over the summer. He had played in all six of Carlton's matches this season prior to this game.