Geelong star Bailey Smith has called on the AFL to introduce a men’s mental health round following a confronting week that included the death of Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson’s brother and Carlton’s handling of Elijah Hollands.
Smith made the comments during a post-match television interview after Geelong’s win, using the moment to address the broader impact of recent events across the competition.
‘There’s one thing I want to touch on, which is maybe out of pocket, but I just want to shout out the Dawson family this week and Elijah Hollands last night,’ Smith said.
‘I don’t know if I’m out of pocket saying it, but I think it’s about time the AFL get a men’s mental health round.
‘It makes you feel sick during the week, and hopefully the AFL community wraps our arms around them and we can do something.’
Smith also referenced the environment within the game and urged players and supporters to remain aware of those around them.
Bailey Smith urged AFL to introduce a men’s mental health round after tragic week rocked the football community hard
Smith referenced Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode during Carlton’s loss, which sparked widespread concern across the league
Carlton confirmed Hollands’ behaviour was a genuine mental health episode and not related to substance use concerns
AFL and Carlton launched investigations into how Hollands was allowed to take the field and continue playing
‘I think the footy world can be quite toxic at times, and it is [also] good at putting our arms around the people who need it most, when we need to,’ he said.
‘Speak to your mates, [and] put your arm around your loved ones – you never know who might need it.’
The 24-year-old has previously spoken publicly about his own mental health challenges, including anxiety and a difficult period during his recovery from a serious knee injury in 2024.
He said he had fallen into ‘quite a bad spiral’ during that time before working to restore his mental health.
Smith’s comments came as Carlton and the AFL continued to examine the circumstances surrounding Hollands’ appearance in Thursday night’s match against Collingwood.
Carlton confirmed the 23-year-old experienced what the club described as a genuine mental health episode during the game. The club stated the episode was not related to substance use and said Hollands was receiving ongoing care.
‘The Carlton Football Club is continuing to provide close and ongoing care to Elijah Hollands, who suffered a mental health episode on Thursday night,’ the club said in a statement.
‘[Hollands] is continuing to receive the appropriate level of medical and wellbeing support, with Hollands’ welfare remaining the number one priority.
Smith also paid tribute to Jordan Dawson’s family following the sudden death of his brother Jaryd earlier this week
The tragedy involving Jordan Dawson’s brother intensified calls for greater awareness and formal mental health initiatives league-wide
‘The club also remains in contact with the AFL and the AFLPA, given the complicated nature of what occurred on Thursday night.
‘While the club acknowledges the public interest, it asks that Hollands’ privacy be respected, with the primary focus on ensuring he receives the level of care he needs, before a further update can be provided at an appropriate time.’
Hollands recorded one disposal from approximately 60 per cent game time in the match, with vision of his behaviour during warm-ups and throughout the game widely circulated.
He was eventually benched during the final quarter, with questions raised about his condition and whether he should have continued playing.
The AFL has been in ongoing discussions with Carlton and the AFL Players’ Association regarding the incident, including the handling of Hollands both before and during the match.
Carlton conducted an immediate internal review following the game, examining the lead-up to the match as well as decisions made during play.
The possibility of disciplinary action against the club has not been ruled out, particularly in relation to the decision to allow Hollands to take the field and remain involved despite visible concerns.
Senior figures within the AFL industry expressed concern about the situation, while medical experts noted the difficulty of conducting a full psychological assessment during a live match environment.
Dr Peter Larkins said medical staff would have had limited time to assess Hollands during the game.
‘It’s got to be resolved as to what it was but what could be done was done on the night,’ Dr Larkins said.
‘If it was considered to be a mental health, psychological thing, the doctors would have been informed but they just don’t have the time to sit down and have a half-hour conversation with him.’
Hollands is expected to spend time away from football while continuing to receive medical and wellbeing support. The AFL and Carlton are expected to continue discussions into next week as part of the ongoing review process.
