Carlton is reviewing its handling of forward Elijah Hollands during Thursday night's loss to Collingwood.
The 23-year-old appeared disoriented and displayed erratic behaviour on the field at the MCG.
The AFL is awaiting the outcome.
What happened
Hollands recorded one disposal despite spending roughly 60% of the game on the field, before being benched for most of the final quarter. A video circulated on social media appeared to show Hollands directing the middle finger at teammates and the crowd.
Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard told The Age on Monday he had heard chatter on the field about Hollands' behaviour from teammates, saying: "If I saw one of my teammates acting in such a way that Elijah was, then I would definitely say something and mention it to the hierarchy."
Developments
Carlton released a statement on Friday confirming Hollands had experienced a mental health episode, describing the situation as "complicated". The club said the 23-year-old was receiving ongoing medical and well-being support.
The AFL released its own statement on Saturday, requesting that Carlton provide the outcome of its review once complete. The AFL Players' Association is also involved, with president and Collingwood captain Darcy Moore confirming the association has been part of the process over recent days.
Carlton president Rob Priestley also released a statement on Saturday, saying the board has been working closely with club CEO Graham Wright and general manager of football Chris Davies to review the circumstances. Priestley asked that Hollands' privacy be respected.
Wright addressed media on Sunday, calling the situation "unprecedented and complex". He confirmed the club's coaching staff were aware during the game that Hollands was struggling, noting he has previously experienced anxiety and panic attacks.
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Wright did not comment directly on why Hollands was not removed from the field earlier, saying the club is reviewing that question as well as the two to three weeks leading up to the match.
Wright said the club does not suspect drugs or alcohol were involved. When asked about reports, first aired by journalist Caroline Wilson on 3AW, that Hollands had told Collingwood players he had been drinking before the match, Wright said he had not received that information from the AFL.
Hollands has been ruled out of this week's trip to Perth to face the Fremantle Dockers.
Hollands' background
The Gold Coast Suns drafted Hollands with pick seven in the 2020 AFL draft. He was traded to Carlton ahead of the 2024 season, where he joined his younger brother Ollie.
In 2025, Hollands took personal leave from the club on two occasions and spoke publicly about his struggles with mental health and alcohol. He was delisted at the end of last season but re-added to Carlton's rookie list ahead of the 2026 campaign after training over summer.
What’s next?
Carlton's review is ongoing.
The central questions are how Hollands was cleared to play, why he remained on the field for as long as he did, and what systems should be in place to prevent a similar situation in the future.
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