AFL fines Carlton $91,500 over handling of on-field mental health episode

The AFL has fined Carlton $75,000 (NZ$91,500) for its handling of Elijah Hollands' on-field mental health episode against Collingwood.

Hollands played in Carlton's MCG game against the Magpies on 16 April, with footage from the game sparking concerns for his welfare from fans and others.

The 24-year-old former Gold Coast Suns player was hospitalised five days later.

Carlton investigated what had gone on before and during the game, passing its findings on to the AFL.

AFL chief Andrew Dillon said there were sufficient visual cues and performance data from the game, in addition to knowledge of Hollands' history, to know that "he should have been removed from play earlier than he was".

The failure to remove Hollands from play earlier brought the game into disrepute, Dillon said, adding that the charge was against the club rather than individuals.

Carlton will pay the full fine to the AFL's mental health partner, Headspace, which supports youth mental health.

"What transpired during the game was something we haven't seen before, and while Elijah did undergo checks, he should not have been left on the field for that period of time," Dillon said.

"The incident has highlighted something important for our game: Whilst our physical injury protocols are strong and well-understood, mental health presentations can be variable, and are complex.

"That means we need to continue to strengthen and standardise how we respond on match day to acute mental health episodes."

Executive general manager of football Laura Kane said the AFL would introduce a number of measures to help with health and welfare governance standards, including setting up the employment of a full-time psychologist or the equivalent for all AFL and AFLW clubs.

"This has been about care, clarity and action," Kane said.

"This is bigger than one club or one night."

Asked whether Carlton had enough resources to handle Hollands and his situation before the game, Kane said: "Yes they did."

Kane said the league would work with clubs to establish industry-wide "psychological fitness to play" guidance for players.

Other initiatives would include:

reviewing the club football department soft cap to help increase minimum investment in healthcare and strengthening expert capability

establishing an AFL health and wellbeing committee to advise the executive and commission on clinical governance

hosting a mental health media roundtable in partnership with the Black Dog Institute.

Carlton says support remains with Hollands

Carlton responded to the decision in a statement on Tuesday evening, emphasising that its support remained with Hollands, "whose health and wellbeing continues to be the highest priority."

The Blues said they continued to work closely with qualified medical professionals to ensure Hollands was receiving the necessary care, and support for his family.

Carlton acknowledged the AFL's findings and confirmed it would pay the fine to Headspace.

"The club understands the public's interest for further context to be provided on this matter, however will be unable to disclose sensitive and private information," the Blues said in the statement.

"Further to this, it would not be appropriate to provide additional public comment while a WorkSafe enquiry remains ongoing."

Carlton chief executive Graham Wright said the club's support for Hollands came from "a place of genuine care and understanding" of him and the challenges he had been facing.

"Our club stands in unwavering support of its medical and wellbeing staff, who continue to conduct themselves with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for all our players and staff," he said.

"We accept the outcome in the interest of enabling all parties to move forward, while continuing to ensure the health and wellbeing of our people remains a priority.

"Elijah is taking the necessary time to prioritise his health and wellbeing right now and he will continue to do so with our full support."

- ABC

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