Carlton’s management of Elijah Hollands’ public mental health episode will come under scrutiny from WorkSafe Victoria.
Hollands, 23, was admitted to hospital on Monday night, after his concerning and erratic performance in the Blues’ game at the MCG against Collingwood last Thursday night.
Carlton and the AFL had been investigating the circumstances surrounding Hollands’ appearance in the match, for which he was credited with one ineffective disposal.
WorkSafe Victoria will begin asking questions of Carlton and the AFL in coming days about how Hollands took to the field in the state he did.
“WorkSafe is assessing the matter to determine whether any action is required under the occupational health and safety act,” a WorkSafe Victoria spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.
The watchdog will seek information from the club and the league in the next week before determining if there is any scope for a formal investigation.
Also on Tuesday, Hollands’ father posted an emotional message of support for his son, vowing to “lift him up until he is restored in full”.
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On Monday night, Carlton released a statement confirming Hollands had been admitted to hospital.
“While the club acknowledges the public’s interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected,” the Blues said in a statement.
“This request for privacy extends to the media to please not report or speculate on Hollands’ location and private health information.”
The 23-year-old ended Thursday night’s defeat at the MCG with one ineffective kick in the third term.
Several videos circulated online after the match appearing to show Hollands confused and exhibiting erratic behaviour on the field.
Last year, Hollands twice took personal leave from Carlton, later revealing he had been battling mental ill-health and issues with alcohol.
On Sunday, Wright said he “at this stage” ruled out alcohol or illicit substances being factors affecting Hollands during the match.
“We’re dealing with a mental health issue … right at the moment,” Wright told reporters.
“We’re in the process of going through all the circumstances leading up to the game, two or three weeks prior to the game.
“Our primary focus remains on caring for Elijah, making sure he continues to receive the medical and well-being support he needs. Elijah’s mental challenges have been well documented.
“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.”
The situation has led to calls from prominent players – including Geelong’s Bailey Smith, Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan and Western Bulldogs’ Rory Lobb – for a league-wide mental-health round.
On Tuesday, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and Sydney’s Dean Cox raised concerns over the level and type of scrutiny modern players are put under.
“I’ve got no doubt that what our players are exposed to and what they have to deal with and manage from a critique point of view is a lot more challenging than it ever has been,” Beveridge said.
Cox said pressure on players has “skyrocketed” since his playing days with West Coast.
“The demands that are on players and certainly young people now, the social media has had a big say in that and the ability to be able to scrutinise and talk to people at will,” Cox said.
“I think the players do a really good job dealing with that and it’s about supporting each other.”
Hollands, who turns 24 on Saturday, was delisted by the Blues at the end of last season, despite having a year to run on his contract.
But he was invited to Carlton training over summer where he impressed enough to win his spot back on the list and has played all six games this season.
