The father of Elijah Hollands has penned open support to his son after he was admitted to hospital on Monday night.
Hollands’ dad, Ben, took to Instagram following the difficult week for Elijah and his family.
Elijah’s struggles have played out in the public eye since what the club described as a medical episode against Collingwood last Thursday.
Carlton released a statement on Monday night, confirming Hollands had been admitted to hospital.
Ben posted a photo of Elijah, vowing to “lift him up until he is restored in full”.
“This is my beautiful boy,” Ben wrote.
“For anyone in the midst of healing … You are loved.
“You have a unique and defined purpose.
“You are seen whole. I know who my son is — and I will lift him up until he is restored in full.
“For those supporting someone who is struggling: encourage them, affirm them, and love them.
“Go to them, remind them of who they truly are.”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge on Thursday wished Hollands a smooth recovery and spoke on the criticism players face.
“I have got no doubt what our players are exposed to, have to deal with and have to manage from a critique point of view is a lot more challenging than it ever has been,” he said.
“It seems to be some of the assessment and innuendos are a lot more personal than it ever has been.
“Everyone is trying to work out what that means, there seems to be no conscience in a lot of it.
“But from Carlton’s point of view, it’s too difficult to speculate because none of us have been there.
“It’s just a hugely challenging situation and I feel for them, everyone feels for Elijah and his family. But I feel for everyone who’s involved in the Blues.
“You talk about trauma and things that are confronting, and it’s been confronting.
“Everyone at that football club needs support to help them through it, definitely Elijah … hopefully he’s going to be OK but I just hope everyone who works at the Carlton Football Club are fine as well.”
Originally published as Elijah Hollands’ father pens emotional tribute after son admitted to hospital