Carlton Football Club is facing significant backlash for allowing forward Elijah Hollands to play during their recent loss to Collingwood, particularly as troubling footage of his performance has surfaced. The 23-year-old exhibited erratic behaviour, both during warm-ups and throughout the match, raising questions about why he was permitted to compete and why he wasn’t substituted earlier.
Hollands managed just one disposal—a smothered kick—before being benched in the final quarter, with coach Michael Voss describing him as “emotional” and “shattered” post-match. Reports suggest the club suspects Hollands experienced a mental health episode, not linked to substance abuse, which raises further concerns about the decision-making process regarding player fitness.
Earlier in 2025, Hollands had disclosed facing a panic attack during a game, alongside ongoing struggles with anxiety and mental health, compounded by alcohol-related issues. Despite evidence from fan footage depicting him struggling during warm-ups, the club reportedly detected no “alarm bells” indicating he was unfit to play prior to the game. Hollands also communicated to Collingwood players during the match that he wasn’t feeling well but continued to participate until he was finally benched.
Criticism has mounted around Carlton’s ability to assess Hollands’ condition during the game, especially given that he was in contact with various coaching staff. The AFL is now investigating the situation, while Voss acknowledged that Hollands felt he had let the team down. Observers are questioning why concerns regarding the player’s mental health were not addressed sooner, particularly considering his history with anxiety.
Following a positive start to the season, where Hollands expressed satisfaction with his performance and enjoyment of the game, the abrupt downturn in his performance and health has left many unsettled. Speculation suggests that he might be sidelined for an extended period as he recovers from this incident.
As Carlton continues to draw scrutiny for their handling of the situation, the focus now shifts to ensuring Hollands’ well-being and addressing any systemic issues within the club regarding player health monitoring and mental fitness protocols. The depth of support from the club, both on and off the field, will be critical as they navigate this troubling episode.