Carlton Acknowledges Awareness of Hollands' Unusual Conduct During Match
Carlton Football Club has publicly admitted that it was aware Elijah Hollands was acting in an unusual manner during a recent game, as persistent rumours suggest he may have been drinking beforehand. Club chief executive Graham Wright stated that Carlton is actively investigating why no immediate action was taken after Hollands displayed erratic behaviour throughout Thursday night's match against Collingwood at the MCG.
Direct Response to Drinking Allegations
Amid swirling speculation that Hollands informed Collingwood players he had consumed alcohol prior to the game, Wright addressed these claims directly. He described the situation involving the 23-year-old midfielder as "unprecedented and complex". When questioned by reporters on Sunday morning, Wright confirmed he had heard the reports but noted, "I haven't heard anything from Collingwood or the AFL" regarding formal allegations.
Importantly, Wright clarified that the club does not "suspect" Hollands was under the influence of any illicit drugs or substances. He confirmed Hollands will not travel to Perth for Carlton's Round 7 clash against Fremantle this Saturday and has been receiving support from medical staff. Wright added that Hollands is "okay" and has been spending time with family during this period.
AFL Requests Review and Fan Concerns Mount
The Australian Football League has formally requested Carlton to share the outcomes of its internal review into the circumstances surrounding Hollands' fitness to play. In an official statement released on Saturday, the AFL emphasised that "the health and wellbeing of every player is the AFL's highest priority" and indicated it will continue making inquiries with the club.
Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson reported that Collingwood players informed AFL officials about Hollands' alleged pre-game drinking admission. Wilson stated on 3AW radio, "I can't prove there was alcohol involved, but reports are coming strongly from Collingwood players that there was." She also mentioned Hollands experienced "high anxiety and had a mental health episode" during the match.
Fan-Filmed Footage Reveals Concerning Behaviour
Disturbing footage circulating online shows Hollands behaving unusually during the game, with multiple observers noting he appeared completely out of character. Fans captured video of him making erratic hand gestures while walking to the field before the match and displaying unusual movements in Carlton's forward 50 during play.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly concerned, with one supporter posting, "[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." Another added, "I've never seen anything like this. They better look after him now because he needs serious help."
Hollands' Previous Struggles and Current Status
This incident follows a challenging period in Hollands' career marked by previous battles with mental health and alcohol issues. The midfielder took personal leave on multiple occasions during the 2025 season and later revealed he had been dealing with these significant personal challenges. Despite being delisted by Carlton with time remaining on his contract, he earned his way back onto the list through the supplemental selection period after training during the pre-season.
Prior to Thursday's game, Hollands had played every match this season, averaging more than 18 disposals per game. Post-match reports indicate his heart rate was monitored during the game and he had experienced difficulty sleeping the night before. Carlton, currently struggling with a 1-5 record to start the season, faces Fremantle next on Anzac Day in Perth without Hollands in their lineup.
