Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson reported that players from Collingwood alleged Elijah Hollands, a forward for Carlton, claimed to have been drinking during their recent match. The incident gained attention due to footage on social media that showed erratic behaviour from Hollands before and during the game. He recorded just one disposal and was benched late in the match. Carlton subsequently issued a statement labelling the situation as a mental health episode.
Hollands, 23, has been open about his struggles with mental health, admitting to experiencing panic attacks and battling alcohol issues in previous years. However, journalist Sam Edmund later indicated that Carlton had dismissed alcohol or substance use as a cause for Hollands’ behaviour during the match.
Despite Carlton’s assurances, Wilson suggested that Collingwood players had different insights, possibly alleging that Hollands mentioned having consumed alcohol. She expressed uncertainty about whether drugs were involved, questioning the sources of the information disseminated and emphasising that it remained unverified.
Wilson raised concerns over Carlton’s handling of the situation, particularly questioning decisions made by the club’s doctors and coaches. She posited that if Hollands had expressed high anxiety during the game, allowing him to continue playing was questionable and could raise issues of potential medical negligence.
Furthermore, she stated that both claims from Collingwood players regarding the alcohol involvement currently lack definitive verification. The organisation has reportedly focused on Hollands’ well-being and has refrained from responding to media speculation while he remains uncertain for an upcoming match against Fremantle.
To prioritise player health, the AFL has requested Carlton to provide an outcome regarding Hollands’ fitness for the match following an internal review of the circumstances surrounding his performance. The league is emphasising the health and safety of its players, intending to remain informed about the developments in this case.