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, and they have consistently supported the 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 showing signs of impaired performance. He was later diagnosed by the club with a mental health episode.
In addition to the medical assessments, Carlton has enlisted legal experts with expertise in workplace matters. These lawyers are frequently used by the club and are assisting in navigating the increasingly complex situation. Sources have indicated that the matter is being handled with care and sensitivity, given its focus on Hollands’ health and wellbeing.
The Blues have disputed the claim that they violated the “fitness to play” rule by allowing Hollands to remain on the field. Multiple medical evaluations were conducted during the Collingwood game, as Hollands exhibited erratic behavior. A psychologist was also involved in the assessment process.
If a club is found to have placed a medically unfit player on the field, they could face fines exceeding $50,000. This applies whether the decision occurs before or during a game. Notably, this rule has never been applied in cases related to mental health episodes.
Hollands was admitted to the hospital following the April 16 game, which the Blues lost to Collingwood after first-year player Talor Byrne missed a goal-kicking opportunity in the final moments.
Carlton has stood firmly behind their two doctors, one of whom, the experienced sports physician Matt Chamberlain, has taken a leave of absence from his duties at the club.
The AFL has requested additional information from Carlton after the club submitted its detailed account of the Hollands incident late last week.
The ongoing investigation into Hollands by the AFL has led to legal involvement, not only for the club’s position regarding the rules but also due to the potential for a WorkSafe investigation. An adverse ruling against the club on medical grounds could have professional consequences for the medical team responsible for assessing Hollands.
The legal implications have added complexity to the discussions between Carlton and the AFL. The issue may extend beyond the “fit to play” rules if the league chooses to impose further penalties on the club.
Carlton’s senior coach, Michael Voss, strongly defended the club’s staff in the weeks following the incident, which became a major controversy and subject to an AFL investigation.
The AFL Doctors’ Association has supported 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 of alcohol use when the club initially addressed the issue of him staying on the field.
Hollands has spoken publicly about a panic attack he experienced during a game against the Swans in 2025, and he has also been open about 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.
