Carlton have revealed that they were aware Elijah Hollands was “struggling” during the Blues’ clash with Collingwood on Thursday night.

Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Hollands finished Thursday night’s game at the MCG with just one disposal from 60 per cent game time, and crowd footage of him behaving in an unusual way on the field circulated on social media.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Carlton CEO Graham Wright faced the media on Sunday morning where he made a brief statement before answering questions on the club’s handling of its young star.

“First and foremost our primary focus remains on caring for Elijah and making sure hw is continuing to receive the medical and welfare support he needs,” Wright said.

“Thursday night presented unprecedented and complex circumstances. We are taking this very seriously.

“We are determined to ensure a considered process, not just an understanding of what happened but to ensure that key learnings come from this.

“While Elijah’s welfare is front of mind, he will not travel to Perth this week for this weekend’s game (against Fremantle).”

“He’s ok. He’s getting great support from family and the medical staff from the AFL.”

READ MORE

AFL, Blues release statements on Hollands ‘mental health episode’ as new details emerge

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 26: Elijah Hollands displayed erratic behaviour against the Pies.Source: Getty Images

Wright then confirmed the club were aware Hollands was “struggling” during the match.

“We were aware that he was struggling in the game, and he has previously had anxiety and panic attacks. Our guys were dealing with him in the game, and obviously he was having some problems.” Wright admitted.

Wright was then asked why Hollands was out on the field for nine minutes of the crucial final term despite the Blues’ knowledge of the state the 23-year-old was in.

“We’re looking into all of that right now. Part of the process has started and we are working through that now,” the Blues boss answered.

It comes as Collingwood players reportedly informed the AFL that Elijah Hollands told them he was under the influence of alchohol during Carlton’s clash with the Magpies.

Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson, however, said Pies players have informed the AFL, during the league’s investigation, that Hollands had told them he had been drinking.

“There is the suggestion coming from Collingwood players, and Carlton have not denied (it) but certainly not confirmed (it), that Elijah Hollands was telling some Collingwood players that he had been drinking,” Wilson said on 3AW on Saturday.

“(Reporter) Sam Edmund said yesterday drugs were not involved. I am not sure where he got that information but I certainly can’t confirm that. I don’t know if he was drug tested.

“Obviously, (he has) high anxiety and had a mental health episode.”

Wilson said she could not prove alcohol was involved but that there was strong insistence from some Collingwood players that there was.

Voss vows to support Elijah Hollands | 01:41

Wright was asked about the report, and said the club was still treating the matter as a mental health issue.

“I heard the conjecture around that. At this stage, we don’t suspect (drugs or alcohol). We’re dealing with a mental health issue at the moment but we’re in the process of going through all the circumstances leading up to the game, two or three weeks up to the game and if there were changes for Elijah,” Wright said.

It comes as the AFL officially requested the outcome of Carlton’s review into its handling of Hollands’ erratic behaviour.

The league in a statement on Saturday suggested it would continue to follow up with Carlton.

“The health and wellbeing of every player is the AFL’s highest priority,” the AFL said in a statement on Saturday.

“The AFL has today requested Carlton to, once concluded, provide the outcome of its review of the circumstances relating to Elijah Holland’s fitness to play in Thursday night’s match.

“The AFL will continue to make inquiries with the club in relation to the matter.”