Carlton coach Michael Voss has expressed concern for Elijah Hollands following his challenging performance against Collingwood on Thursday night. The 23-year-old managed to secure only one disposal during 60% of the match time, leading to his withdrawal late in the game, which ultimately ended in a narrow defeat for Carlton, 83 to 88.
Videos circulating online depict Hollands displaying uncharacteristic behaviour, appearing jittery and unfocused at different points in the game, prompting commentary from fans. While neither the club nor Hollands has formally responded to the online reactions surrounding his conduct, Voss mentioned that Hollands was significantly upset about his underwhelming performance.
According to Voss, the young player felt he had let down his teammates, expressing genuine disappointment about his contribution and the way he started the game. “He was really emotional after the match,” Voss noted, underscoring the level of disappointment Hollands felt regarding his struggle to engage effectively throughout the game.
“There was a real sense of frustration from him,” Voss added, acknowledging Hollands’ internal battle with his performance. The coach indicated that they had a constructive dialogue after the match, reinforcing the need for support during difficult times like these.
Hollands, who commenced his AFL journey at Gold Coast as the seventh pick in the 2020 draft, has since participated in 33 games for Carlton after transferring from the Suns at the close of the 2023 season. Voss indicated the coaching staff had to make strategic decisions during the final quarter, prioritising players who were effectively performing, thus deciding it was best not to have Hollands on field at that critical moment.
Voss emphasised the importance of continuing to support players through challenging performances, highlighting the team’s collective responsibility to uplift each other in tough situations. While it’s evident Hollands is grappling with this experience, Voss’ comments reflect a belief in the player’s potential and the team’s commitment to supporting him through this setback.