Watson “second-guessing” the AFL over Hollands incident

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Garry Lyon says the spotlight has been turned on the AFL, and not in a positive way, amid the Elijah Hollands saga.

While Lyon is absolutely empathetic to Hollands’ cause, his comments are directed at the league as a whole for allowing something so unprofessional to take place in a professional arena.

For the first time Lyon is not proud of our code for failing to protect a young man who perhaps needed help.

“I understand the sensitivities (around Elijah’s mental health), but what we're discussing now is how it got to this situation and how we can make sure it never gets to this situation again,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.

“We don't know everything, but we have been involved (in footy for some time), so in this instance, we do know a bit in terms of how the system works and how game day works and how relationships are within football clubs and within environments that run really deep.

“Whether it's relationships with players, with captains, with leaders, with coaches, with physios, doctors, the bloke who straps your ankles, all of those different layers.

“This is what we're talking about and this is why the discussion continues and why the AFL have got an enormous role to play in this and why Carlton, which I believe they will (continue to) be, have been upfront and honest with how this all came about.

“We don't want it happening again under any circumstances because for the first time in maybe ever I'm looking at our competition going, I'm not proud of us.

“We’re the first to pick up on it if the NRL or another league has a situation that we look at and go, ‘How unprofessional is that?’

“Well, guess what? That spotlight's been turned on our code right now and that's not great.”

Fellow footy great Tim Watson says the conversation needs to continue due to the fact that Hollands’ mental health episode just so happened to take place during a massive public event.

He also wants to avoid a similar instance occurring again.

“Sadly it played out before our eyes,” Watson said.

“It was live TV and we're watching the game and not quite sure exactly what's going on out there, you look at the stats and he hasn't had a lot of ball and then you start to see vision popping up in your social media feeds and that type of thing.

“Then the story just starts to develop and then people are told about it that are in the media. It wasn't a media story when it first started, it was people actually just sitting they're watching the TV with their phones talking about something that they saw and they thought that was odd and out of place.

“And Carlton are now responsible for the explanation about how that was allowed to occur over the course of a game of football. So they are legitimate conversations that can be had without banging the point about where Elijah himself is at with his health - and we know that he's in hospital so he can't be in a great way.

“So that this, as you rightly say, doesn't happen again. And we don't see something like this repeating on our TV screens while we're watching a game of football one night.”

It left Watson second-guessing the professionalism in some areas of the game.

“Two things can be real - you and I can both have great empathy and sympathy for Elijah Hollands,” he added.

“But we can also be talking about this at the same time because of the effect that it's had on the game and of the conversations around the game at the moment.

“Because as you rightly say, people look at this and they think, ‘I thought these AFL organisations were elite, I thought that they had the health and care of a player as the most important thing’.

“By what I've seen, I'm now maybe second-guessing as to whether or not that is the case.”

Hollands admitted to hospital

Late on Monday night, Carlton released a statement regarding Hollands confirming, the Blue had been admitted to hospital after a reported medical episode last Thursday.

The statement read as follows:

"The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Elijah Hollands has been admitted to hospital this evening.

"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."

Investigations surrounding the incident at the MCG are ongoing.

Magpie heard a "bit of chatter"

Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard admits there was a “bit of chatter” around Elijah Hollands during the clash with Carlton last Thursday night.

His comments come after veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported that Magpies players had been told by the troubled Blue that he had been drinking.

Maynard said he overheard some comments from teammates relating to Hollands while stating that he would have made a point of notifying someone if one of his teammates acted in a similar way.

“I wasn’t aware of what was going on, but I think there was a bit of chatter happening and I didn’t pay much attention to it at all and if I did, I definitely would have said something,” Maynard told The Age.

“I overheard a few things, but as I said, I was too focused on the game to really understand what was actually going on. He was definitely around the area and people were chatting about it, but I was focused on playing the game.

“To be honest if I saw one of my teammates acting in such a way that Elijah was, then I would definitely say something and mention it to the hierarchy.

“But like I said, that is for Carlton to deal with their player, and everyone is doing the best they can to look after him and that is the issue here – to make sure he gets support around him to make sure his mental health is looked after.”

Magpies captain Darcy Moore also commented on Hollands at a press conference on Monday.

“Clearly, a process is playing out with Carlton and the AFL at the moment. As a players’ association we have been involved in the process intimately over the last few days which is really encouraging, and a great sign,” he said.

“The major concern is clearly just Elijah’s welfare.”

Morris: The answers the AFL wants from Hollands saga

The AFL is “desperate” to get to the bottom of the Hollands saga, and they want that to happen this week.

SEN’s Tom Morris is reporting that the league is continuing to seek clarity after Hollands suffered a mental health episode at the MCG on Thursday night.

Morris is reporting that the AFL wants answers on at least four key questions surrounding the Hollands situation.

“There is a consensus from the Carlton and the AFL that this was a mental health episode, we know this,” Morris said on SEN’s Fireball.

“What we don't know for sure is if there was something else around the edges and that is what the AFL is trying to ascertain.

“Three words from Graham Wright were key yesterday: "At this stage" tells us they are still getting to the bottom of exactly what happened.

“If WADA tested Hollands for illicit drugs post-game and he tested positive we will know about it, just like we knew about Joel Smith. That's the same for any player who tests positive on game day.

“But if they tested him and he was negative or they didn't test him, the AFL is relying on other evidence to put paint a picture as to what was around Hollands' mental health episode.

“So I think while we wait for those answers, it's worth focusing on what the league is doing to investigate Carlton's inaction in this situation.

“I can tell you this morning that the AFL is desperate for answers sooner rather than later. I’m talking in the next couple of days, they don’t want this to drag into next week.

“Carlton knows what the AFL wants, and that is:

• Why they played him?
• Why they kept him on the ground?
• Did the Blues monitor Hollands in weeks and days leading up to the game adequately?
• Was there a change to his (medical) management that was glossed over, ignored or dismissed?

“The league wants these answers as soon as possible.”

Morris also floated the potential sanction for the Blues assuming there is no gross negligence.

“From a sanctioning perspective, my view from the people I’ve spoken to - and not everyone agrees with this - I think it’s unlikely the AFL imposes some sort of huge sanction on Carlton like what Port Adelaide got for the Aliir Aliir concussion (in 2023),” Morris added.

“Unless there’s some sort of example of gross negligence, which so far hasn’t been uncovered, then I think a large sanction is unlikely.

“I see it as similar to the Christian Petracca where the AFL and AFLPA used a deeply distressing and unique situation to build a framework and new protocols so they can greater understand mental health in real time.

“I think that’s the far more likely scenario, so a small fine, a slap on the wrist. Then followed by sweeping changes, so if this were to happen again then everyone would be in a better place to deal with something that was so unique.”

Carlton CEO: "Welfare is paramount"

Carlton CEO Graham Wright has stated that Hollands will not feature for the Blues next week in a press conference addressing the ongoing saga.

During Carlton's five-point loss to Collingwood on Thursday night, the 23-year-old suffered from a mental health episode, which affected his performance on the MCG.

With Carlton currently being investigated over the incident, Wright spoke publicly on Sunday morning.

"First and foremost, our primary focus remains on caring for Elijah and making sure he continues to receive the medical and wellbeing support he needs," Wright said.

"Elijah's mental challenges have been well documented, and our staff have been working alongside Elijah on this journey with him over a long period of time now, both on and off the field, providing every resource possible to ensure his welfare is paramount.

"Thursday night presented unprecedented and complex circumstances. We are taking this very seriously, and acknowledging that this has raised valid questions that we are determined to understand.

"Since the game, we have been working through a thorough process surrounding the circumstances, both leaning into and throughout the match, and remain in close consultation with the AFL and the AFLPA.

"We are determined to ensure a considered process, not just an understanding of what happened, but to ensure key learnings come from this, not just for us but the broader football community and industry.

"While Elijah's welfare is front of mind, he will not travel to Perth this week with the team for the weekend's game and we will work closely with Elijah on the next steps forward for him."

How's Elijah doing?

"He's okay, I had some contact with him yesterday and he's getting great support. He is with his Dad and family, and is getting support from our medical staff and the medical staff through the AFL."

At this stage, can you rule out illicit drugs or alcohol?

"I've heard the conjecture around that yesterday. At this stage, we don't suspect that that is. We are dealing with a mental health issue, with what we're dealing with right at the moment.

"We are in the process of going through all the circumstances leading up to the game, two or three weeks prior to the game, were there changes for Elijah in that regard, and then we're working through obviously what happened during the game and post game.

"That started Thursday night into Friday morning."

Was anyone at the club aware that Elijah was struggling during the game?

"We were aware that he was struggling in the game, and he has had anxiety and panic attacks (previously). Our guys were dealing with him in the game, and obviously he was having some problems."

Could you have done better as a footy club?

"Everyone has got the right to ask those questions, and we are asking those questions of ourselves. We're really determined to get to a better solution for what happened in that game.

"As I said, we understand that people have got to ask those questions, and we're asking those questions ourselves."

When did the club first realise that something was wrong?

"I'm not quite sure I've got that answer. We will work through that in the next few days."

While SEN lead journalist Sam Edmund stated that Hollands was not under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances, journalist Caroline Wilson revealed otherwise.

"There is the suggestion, that is coming from Collingwood players... that Elijah Hollands was telling some Collingwood players that he had been drinking," Wilson told 3AW.

"Obviously high anxiety, obviously a mental health episode and obviously (the Carlton doctors and coaches) are going to be questioned by the AFL.

"It is a situation of potential alleged medical negligence, that Carlton are being looked at.

"You also have to question why the new head of football Chris Davies didn't come over the top of Michael Voss or (the doctors). Was Graham Wright, the CEO, aware, and why didn't he get involved?

"My understanding is the player spoke with the coach during the game and did not want to come off. It was clearly the wrong decision to let him keep playing.

"I can't prove that there was alcohol involved, but it's coming strongly from Collingwood players that there was. I only mention it now because no one at Carlton has shut it down."

Wright commented on the statement made by Wilson, stating: "I heard that report yesterday and I haven't heard anything from Collingwood or the AFL. No one has come to us with anything from that nature."

Blues president's statement

Blues president Rob Priestly also released a statement on Sunday morning.

"I know Elijah Hollands has been front of mind for so many of us connected to the Carlton Football Club," Priestly said.

"Elijah's welfare is what matters most right now, and please be assured that remains our focus.

"Since the game, the Board has been working closely with Chief Executive Officer Graham Wright and General Manager of Football Chris Davies to obtain a thorough account of the circumstances both leading into and throughout the match. The Club has been in regular consultation with the AFL and AFLPA, and will continue to do so, as facts are gathered in a supportive and respectful setting, and we are confident that valuable learnings will come from this process.

"The health and wellbeing of our players is of the utmost importance and many people within our club have been supporting Elijah on and off the field for a long period of time, and that support continues. In this respect, I join others in asking that Elijah's privacy be fully respected at this time."

AFL statement

The AFL yesterday released a statement on a matter involving Elijah Hollands.

Following the match, the Blues released a statement saying that it continues to provide 'close and ongoing care' to Hollands.

Subsequently, on Saturday, the AFL has released a statement saying that it has requested the club provide the outcome of its review to the league, once completed.

“The health and well-being of every player is the AFL’s highest priority," it said.

"The AFL has today requested Carlton to, once concluded, provide the outcome of its review of the circumstances relating to Elijah Holland’s fitness to play in Thursday night’s match.

"The AFL will continue to make inquiries with the club in relation to the matter.”

Main priority is Hollands' welfare

Tom Morris provided an update on the Hollands situation on Friday.

Morris is reporting that the AFLPA has spoken with the AFL regarding the behaviour of the Carlton player during Thursday night's loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

"The AFL Players' Association has already had a brief discussion with the AFL regarding last night's Elijah Hollands situation," wrote Morris.

"There will be more in-depth chats today with the league & Carlton FC as they seek greater understanding of what took place.

"They are concerned with what played out & how it got to that point.

"The main priority for the PA, AFL, Blues & Hollands' management is his welfare."

Morris then added a quote from AFL spokesperson Jay Allen: "We are having on-going discussions with Carlton and also ensuring Elijah has the relevant support."

Shattered Hollands

Hollands was "shattered" with his performance against Collingwood, according to Michael Voss who has asked for sensitivity in the media's handling of the fallout from the round 6 defeat.

The 23-year-old finished the game with just one disposal from 60 per cent game time and there were immediate concerns for his welfare after vision of him behaving in an erratic manner during the match started circulating on social media.

An erratic looking Hollands is seen flipping the bird to his teammates and the crowd. At times he appeared disorientated.

“He’s pretty shattered with his game,” Voss said of Hollands.

“I spoke to him after the game and he was really disappointed with how he started the game, really upset, sort of feels like he’s let me down.

“I had a good chat with him. He was pretty emotional after the game.

“He didn’t play a great game and he struggled to get his way into it, and feels obviously clearly really disappointed with his performance, and obviously with the importance of the night, he feels like he’s let people down.

“We’ve just got to keep supporting people through those situations.”

Morris shared the vision after the siren saying: "Elijah Hollands is unfortunately one of the biggest stories of the night. Carlton will need to lean into the welfare component, but also offer some sort of explanation to its fans.

"60% game time & 0 disposals."

Hollands, who won his spot back on the Carlton list having been delisted in October, has spoken of his mental health struggles and the dark times saying he often turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“In some of the darker times, I turned to alcohol to cope with some of the stresses I had been putting myself under, and the mental fatigue and battles I had been going through.” Hollands told Nine last year.

“It very much has been a thing I have done in isolation, which is obviously a battle. It hasn’t been a thing where I have been out with mates and taking things too far in public areas – it’s been in isolation and at home.”

The MCG clash finished in what is becoming typical Carlton style; having led at half-time the Blues lost by five points after Talor Byrne missed the chance to draw the match with a kick after the final siren.