The family of Elijah Hollands have publicly backed the Carlton midfielder after his recent mental health episode, releasing emotional messages as further details emerge about the incident and its aftermath.
Hollands has been at the centre of the AFL spotlight since his erratic display before and during the Blues’ match against Collingwood, before he was ultimately hooked in the final quarter.
The 23-year-old has a history of mental health battles and a struggle with alcohol, prompting many armchair critics to draw their own conclusions.
Hollands has since been hospitalised and will not travel to Perth with the club for its huge clash against Fremantle this weekend.
Now his family have broken their silence after reading all the public accusations aimed at Elijah, issuing strong messages of support on Instagram.
Hollands’ father, Ben, shared a photo of his son on Instagram along with a message directed to him and others facing similar struggles.
Elijah Hollands father Ben, pictured with the Carlton star, has issued a public message of support for his son
Ben and Elijah’s grandfather Bert took to Instagram to throw their support behind the troubled Carlton star
Hollands has been under the spotlight since his erratic behaviour before and after the Blues’ loss to Collingwood last week
‘This is my beautiful boy,’ he posted along with a picture of Elijah in full Blues kit.
‘For anyone in the midst of healing… you are loved. You have a unique and defined purpose. You are seen whole.
‘I know who my son is and I will lift him up until he is restored in full.
‘For those supporting someone who is struggling: encourage them, affirm them, and love them.
‘Go to them, remind them of who they truly are.’
His grandfather, Bert, also posted a message of support.
‘Our beautiful grandson, you. We’re born with that smile, many great times to come.
‘As a family we fight for each other, with so much love and prayers.’
Ben is the proud father of two AFL=playing sons, Ollie and Elijah, who have both played for the Blues
The statements came after Hollands played in Carlton’s match against Collingwood, where he finished with one disposal as unusual behaviour before and during the game drew widespread attention.
Footage captured in warm-ups and throughout the match showed moments that prompted concern, while additional vision later revealed he had been in discussion with senior club figures during breaks in play.
Carlton later confirmed Hollands had experienced a mental health episode and said it was not related to drugs or alcohol.
The club launched an internal review examining his lead-up to the game, including his preparation and movements before taking the field, as well as the decisions made during the match.
In the days following the game, Hollands was admitted to hospital, with the club requesting privacy for him and his family.
The incident has triggered ongoing scrutiny across the AFL, with questions raised about how a player in that condition was cleared to play and remain involved in the contest.
AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley described the situation as ‘probably the most unsettling story I’ve seen in my time covering the game’.
Former players and commentators have pointed to the complexity of mental health situations in elite sport, while also highlighting the need for clear decision-making around player welfare.
Elijah has been hospitalised for treatment and will not travel to Perth for the Blues’ next match against Fremantle
Sam Docherty was among those to question the handling of the situation.
‘I just feel like he’s been really let down by Carlton and the AFL more broadly,’ Docherty said on 3AW.
‘As a kid that has had his struggles, he’s been very open. He took time off football, not too far off this time last year.
‘I just look at some of the systems and stuff that should have been in the background around how to care for him and make sure this type of event didn’t come up.
‘We’re treating it as the mental health episode at the moment. And just from that perspective, I just can’t fathom how he was out there for so long.
‘I don’t understand how someone hasn’t stepped in.’
Former AFL player Brendan Fevola also addressed the situation publicly.
‘From me to Elijah: mate, you need to get the support you need,’ he said
‘Everyone, get out there and get around him. Media, get around him – don’t pot him about his mental health. His footy teammates need to get around him and his family and friends.
‘You need to get the support you need … footy is not everything.’
Further analysis has focused on the level of interaction Hollands had with coaches and staff during the match, with questions about what was observed and what actions were taken at the time.
Statistics from the game show his involvement reduced as the match progressed, after significant time on ground in the first half.
Nathan Buckley said the key issue was not performance, but welfare.
‘It’s actually about how he was, his welfare, how he fronted, whether he was put in a position where he was exposed to potentially greater injury or greater duress.’
The AFL has requested Carlton provide the findings of its review once completed, as it considers the broader implications for player welfare protocols and match-day processes.
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