Respected AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has stated that Collingwood players allege that Elijah Hollands informed them during their match on Thursday night that he had been consuming alcohol.
The Carlton forward managed just one disposal throughout the night and was benched in the latter stages of the game, as footage showcasing erratic behaviour before and during the match circulated on social media.
In response, the Blues have released a statement labelling the incident a mental health crisis.
The 23-year-old has previously revealed experiences of panic attacks during matches, as well as his struggles with alcohol dependency and mental health issues dating back to 2025.
SEN journalist Sam Edmund reported on Friday that Carlton has ruled out alcohol or substance abuse as factors contributing to Hollands’ conduct on Thursday.
Carlton’s Elijah Hollands. AFL Photos via Getty Images
According to Wilson, however, Magpies players are singing a different tune after their narrow six-point victory.
“There is a suggestion from Collingwood players that Elijah Hollands mentioned to them that he had been drinking,” Wilson stated during her segment on 3AW on Saturday.
“Sam Edmund on another station said yesterday that drugs were not involved. I’m uncertain of his source for that information, which seems to have come from someone at Carlton. I cannot confirm this and I’m not aware if Elijah Hollands underwent drug testing, nor if we’d even be informed if there were any substances involved.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss with Elijah Hollands after the loss to Collingwood. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“The situation reveals obvious high anxiety and it is clearly a mental health episode that the Carlton medical team and coaches will likely face scrutiny from the AFL.”
She added, “This raises questions about possible medical negligence on Carlton’s part. Why didn’t the new head of football, Chris Davies, intervene over Michael Voss or the medical team? Was the CEO, Graham Wright, aware of the situation, and why wasn’t he involved?”
Wilson continued, “From what I understand, the player communicated his desire to remain on the field during the game, but clearly, that decision was misguided.”
When asked to clarify whether Magpies players were informed by Hollands that he had been drinking, or if they could smell alcohol on him, Wilson stated, “both”; also emphasising, “I can’t confirm any involvement of alcohol, yet it’s being strongly suggested by Collingwood players. I bring this up because no one from Carlton has denied it.”
Wide World of Sports reached out to Carlton for clarification regarding Wilson’s claims based on accounts from Collingwood players.
The club responded, reiterating that their main focus is on Hollands’ wellbeing and confirming that they would not entertain media speculation regarding the matter.
It remains uncertain whether he will participate in Carlton’s Anzac Day match against Fremantle in Perth.
On Saturday evening, the AFL issued an official statement concerning the ongoing situation.
“The health and wellbeing of each player is the AFL’s highest priority,” the statement noted.
“The AFL has requested that Carlton provide a summary of its review concerning Elijah Hollands’ fitness to compete in Thursday night’s game once it has concluded.”
“The AFL will persist in its inquiries with the club regarding this issue.”
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