Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has acknowledged that during the recent game against Carlton, there was some “chatter” on the field regarding Elijah Hollands’ behaviour. Although Maynard wasn’t matched up against Hollands directly, he picked up on comments about the Carlton forward’s actions throughout the match.
Speaking to The Age, Maynard admitted he was mostly focused on his own gameplay and didn’t entirely grasp what was being said around him. He indicated that if he had noticed inappropriate behaviour, he would have raised it with team officials. However, he believes that the responsibility lies with Carlton to manage the situation involving Hollands, who may require support for mental health issues.
Maynard, while not wanting to delve into specifics about Hollands, expressed that if any of his own teammates were behaving similarly, he would certainly voice his concerns to the club hierarchy. He showed understanding towards the challenges faced by Hollands and stressed the importance of ensuring the forward receives the necessary support for his well-being.
The incident has raised significant concerns for Carlton, who may face disciplinary action from the AFL for allowing Hollands to play under the circumstances. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Collingwood players detected alcohol on Hollands, which Carlton’s CEO Graham Wright has refuted, attributing the forward’s behaviour to a mental health episode. Various video footage captured during warm-up revealed Hollands struggling with his kicks and conducting himself oddly during the match. The situation has prompted discussions about player welfare and club responsibilities regarding mental health in the sport.