The AFL has fined Carlton $75,000 (£54,000) for failing to remove player Elijah Hollands from the field while he was experiencing a mental health episode during a match against Collingwood in round six. Hollands was seen acting erratically at the MCG and was later admitted to hospital for treatment.
The AFL found that Carlton should have taken Hollands off the pitch earlier based on visual cues, performance data, and his previously disclosed mental health challenges. The league stated that the club's failure to do so brought the game into disrepute.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the 'substantial sanction' was against the club collectively, not individuals. 'What transpired during the game was something we haven't seen before,' he said, adding that mental health presentations can be complex and variable.
Carlton acknowledged the finding that Hollands should have been removed 'sooner than the 20-minute mark of the final quarter' and accepted the fine, but did not admit fault. The club said it supports its staff, who operate with 'genuine care' for players.
As a result of the inquiry, the AFL will require all clubs to employ a full-time psychologist, establish a new wellbeing governance committee, and expand mental health literacy. The fine will be paid to youth mental health service Headspace.
