The AFL has fined Carlton £75,000 for failing to remove Elijah Hollands from the field during a mental health episode in round six against Collingwood. The incident occurred at the MCG, where Hollands appeared to act erratically before being hospitalised several days later.
The AFL found that Carlton should have withdrawn Hollands earlier based on visual cues, performance data and his previously disclosed mental health challenges. The league stated the club's failure brought the game into disrepute, with chief executive Andrew Dillon noting the 'substantial sanction' was applied collectively rather than to individuals.
Carlton acknowledged the finding that Hollands should have been removed sooner than the 20-minute mark of the final quarter but did not admit fault. The club said it supports its staff, who operate with integrity and care, and accepted the outcome to move forward while prioritising health and wellbeing.
In response, the AFL will require all clubs to employ full-time psychologists, establish a wellbeing governance committee, and introduce new standards and guidelines. The fine will be paid to youth mental health service Headspace.
