Carlton player Elijah Hollands has been admitted to hospital four days after what his club described as ‘a mental health episode’ in a game against Collingwood.
The 23-year-old has also volunteered to undergo drug screening and has told the club his performance – in which he recorded just a single disposal while being on the field until the fourth quarter – was not the result of any alcohol or drugs.
The Blues had been investigating the circumstances surrounding Hollands’ concerning and erratic performance at the MCG on Thursday night.
On Monday night, Carlton released a statement confirming Hollands was in hospital.
‘The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Elijah Hollands has been admitted to hospital this evening,’ the Blues said in a statement.
‘While the club acknowledges the public’s interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected.
‘This request for privacy extends to the media to please not report or speculate on Hollands’ location and private health information.’
He reportedly told friends and family after the game he felt like he’d let fans and his club down.
Carlton on Monday night said Elijah Hollands had been admitted to hospital
Fan-filmed footage circulating online after the game appeared to show Hollands behaving unusually in Carlton’s forward 50, with multiple observers noting he looked out of character during passages of play.
Fans said he ‘was displaying some erratic movements’ and ‘didn’t look like himself’ during the second half.
‘[You’re] telling me none of his teammates or staff or coaches noticed he wasn’t right before the game? I don’t understand how this can even happen,’ one fan posted.
Another added: ‘I’ve never seen anything like this. They better look after him now because he needs serious help.’
‘This is so unfortunate considering he had a really good couple of games,’ posted another.
Carlton had already ruled Hollands out of travelling to Perth for Saturday night’s match against Fremantle, in the wake of what it said was his ‘mental health episode’ against the Magpies.
The club said players became aware of his struggles during the match and avoided giving him the ball.
On Sunday, Carlton chief executive Graham Wright was unable to confirm when Blues staff realised Hollands was unwell during the Collingwood match.
Hollands had a night to forget as Collingwood beat the Blues on Thursday
Hollands has had previous battles with mental health and alcohol issues, leading to fan concern for his wellbeing
The AFL had asked the Blues for a report on what happened during the game.
Last year, Hollands twice took personal leave from Carlton, later revealing he had been battling mental ill-health and issues with alcohol.
The former Gold Coast player, who turns 24 on Saturday, was delisted by the Blues at the end of last season, despite having a year to run on his contract.
But Hollands was invited to Carlton training over summer, impressing enough to win his spot back on the list.
He has played all six games this season, averaging 18.4 possessions before his concerning night against the Magpies.
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