Carlton has maintained that they did not breach the regulations concerning a player’s “fitness to play” in their formal submission to the AFL regarding the incident involving Elijah Hollands. The club submitted their case to the league more than a week ago, standing by their medical team who evaluated Hollands during the April 16 game against Collingwood. During that match, Hollands remained on the field into the final quarter despite struggling with effective disposal and was later diagnosed by the club as having experienced a mental health episode.
In addition to their medical team, Carlton has also enlisted legal experts with expertise in workplace matters, whom the club frequently consults. According to sources who have spoken confidentially about the situation, the matter is being handled with a high level of caution and sensitivity, particularly given the focus on Hollands’ health and wellbeing.
So far, the Blues have disputed the claim that they violated the rule governing a player’s “fitness to play” by allowing Hollands to stay on the field. Multiple medical assessments were conducted during the Collingwood game, when Hollands displayed erratic behavior. A psychologist was also involved in the evaluation process.
If found guilty of putting a medically unfit player on the field, a club could face fines exceeding $50,000. This penalty can be applied before or during a game. However, this particular rule has never been invoked for a mental health-related incident.
Hollands was admitted to the hospital following the April 16 game, which Carlton lost to Collingwood. The loss came after first-year player Talor Byrne missed a shot at goal after the siren.
Carlton has strongly supported their two doctors, one of whom, renowned sports physician Matt Chamberlain, took a leave of absence from his club duties.
The AFL has requested further information from Carlton after the club submitted its detailed response on the Hollands matter late last week.
The ongoing investigation into Hollands by the AFL has introduced legal complexities, not only regarding the club’s stance on whether they breached any rules but also due to the potential for a WorkSafe inquiry.
An adverse ruling against the club on medical grounds, such as under the AFL rules for medically fit players (typically applied to concussed players), could have professional consequences for the medical team that assessed Hollands.
These legal implications have added layers to the discussions between Carlton and the AFL, and the matter may extend beyond just the “fit to play” rules if the league decides to impose penalties on the club.
Carlton’s senior coach, Michael Voss, publicly defended the club’s staff in the week following the incident, which became a major controversy and subject to an AFL investigation.
The AFL Doctors’ Association has expressed support for the conduct and professionalism of the club’s medical team during the game.
Hollands voluntarily underwent a drug test after the game. Although there were suggestions that he had consumed alcohol before the match, Carlton stated that there was no evidence to suggest he had used alcohol when the club initially addressed the issue of him remaining on the field.
Hollands has spoken openly about a panic attack he experienced during a game against the Swans in 2025, as well as his struggles with mental health and alcohol. He was charged with drug possession shortly before he was traded by the Gold Coast Suns to Carlton in 2023, when he joined his brother Ollie Hollands.
