Collingwood vice-captain Brayden Maynard says he was aware teammates were discussing Elijah Hollands’ concerning behaviour on Thursday night, with the AFL Players’ Association “intimately” involved in Carlton’s investigation.

The AFL is “desperate” for answers from Carlton “in the next couple of days,” over the Hollands situation, reports AFL journalist Tom Morris, in the fallout from his mental health episode in Thursday night’s game at the MCG.

Carlton chief executive Graham Wright on Sunday conceded the club was aware Hollands was “struggling in the game” — a game he recorded just one disposal and spent the majority of the fourth quarter on the bench — as the Blues continue to seek clarity on exactly what happened.

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Maynard on Monday said he “overheard a few things” on the ground and definitely would’ve acted had he noticed himself something was off.

“I wasn’t aware of what was going on, but I think there was a bit of chatter happening and I didn’t pay much attention to it at all and if I did, I definitely would have said something,” Maynard told The Age.

“I overheard a few things, but as I said, I was too focused on the game to really understand what was actually going on. He was definitely around the area and people were chatting about it, but I was focused on playing the game.

Maynard added that he would’ve felt compelled to assist if it were one of his teammates.

“To be honest if I saw one of my teammates acting in such a way that Elijah was, then I would definitely say something and mention it to the hierarchy,” the Collingwood defender added.

“But like I said, that is for Carlton to deal with their player, and everyone is doing the best they can to look after him and that is the issue here – to make sure he gets support around him to make sure his mental health is looked after.”

Collingwood skipper and AFLPA president Darcy Moore, who missed the game due to injury, said the association had been actively involved in the review into the matter.

“Clearly, a process is playing out with Carlton and the AFL at the moment. As a players’ association we have been involved in the process intimately over the last few days which is really encouraging, and a great sign,” he said.

“The major concern is clearly just Elijah’s welfare.”

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It comes as Morris reported on Monday morning that the league wants to get to the bottom of the matter this week.

That includes the AFL continuing to seek answers as to whether Hollands may have been under the influence of an illegal substance.

“What we don’t know for sure is if there was something else around the edges and that is what the AFL is trying to ascertain,” Morris said on SEN radio.

“If WADA tested Hollands for illicit drugs post-game and he tested positive, we will know about it, just like we knew about Joel Smith. Just like we’d know about any player who tests positive on game day.

“But if they tested him and he was negative or they didn’t test him, the AFL is relying on other evidence to put paint a picture as to what was around Hollands’ mental health episode.

“The AFL is desperate for answers sooner rather than later. I’m talking in the next couple of days, they don’t want this to drag into next week.”

Morris added that the AFL is primarily trying to find out why the Blues played Hollands, why he was kept on the ground, whether he was monitored in the weeks and days leading up the game adequately and if there was a change to his medical management that was disregarded.

While the possibility of a sanction is still to be determined, Morris expects “sweeping changes” to the processes around player welfare to ensure clubs are better equipped to deal with a situation like this.