Elijah Hollands reportedly informed Collingwood players about his drinking, as per Caroline Wilson.

Renowned AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has revealed that players from Collingwood reported that Elijah Hollands mentioned having consumed alcohol during their match on Thursday night.

The Carlton forward recorded just one disposal throughout the game and was sidelined late in the contest, as footage of his erratic behaviour before and during the match circulated on social media.

Carlton has since issued a statement describing the incident as a mental health episode.

The 23-year-old has previously shared experiences of panic attacks in games, alongside struggles with alcohol dependency and mental health issues in 2025.

Journalist Sam Edmund from SEN reported on Friday that Carlton has dismissed alcohol or substance abuse as factors contributing to Hollands’ conduct during Thursday’s match.

However, Wilson asserts that the players from Collingwood told a different story following their narrow six-point victory.

“There is a suggestion from Collingwood players that Elijah Hollands informed some of them that he had been drinking,” Wilson stated on 3AW this Saturday.

“Sam Edmund from another radio station suggested yesterday that drugs were not involved. I’m uncertain about the source of that information as it seems to stem from someone at Carlton. I’m unable to verify that, nor do I know if Hollands underwent drug testing or if we would even be informed if he had.”

“There’s clearly high anxiety, and this situation indicates a mental health episode. The Carlton medical staff and coaches will undoubtedly be scrutinised by the AFL,” she added.

“We should also question why the new head of football, Chris Davies, didn’t intervene with Michael Voss or the medical team. Was CEO Graham Wright aware of the issue, and if so, why didn’t he step in?”

“As I understand it, the player spoke to the coach during the game and did not agree to come off, which was evidently the incorrect choice.”

When asked to clarify whether she meant that Magpies players were told directly by Hollands about his drinking or that they sensed alcohol on him, Wilson confirmed “both”, but added, “I cannot verify either.”

“I can’t confirm the involvement of alcohol, but the suggestion is strong among Collingwood players that it was a factor. I mention it only because Carlton has not denied these claims.”

Wide World of Sports has reached out to Carlton for a response to Wilson’s claims regarding the reports from Collingwood players.

The Blues emphasised that their primary concern is Hollands’ wellbeing and that they will not engage with media speculation about the incident.

It remains uncertain whether he will participate in Carlton’s Anzac Day match against Fremantle in Perth.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, the AFL addressed the evolving situation.

“The health and wellbeing of all players remains the AFL’s utmost priority,” the statement read.

“The AFL has requested that Carlton provide the outcomes of its review concerning Elijah Hollands’ fitness to play in Thursday night’s match once it concludes.”

“The AFL will continue to investigate the matter with the club.”