AFL Pushes for Full-Time Psychologist at Every Club Following Carlton Incident

Carlton fined $75,000 over Elijah Hollands mental health episode

Hollands played nearly 90% of the first three quarters but recorded only one possession before being hospitalized the next week. Carlton described it as a mental health episode and committed to reviewing its workplace policies.  

The AFL made no adverse findings against any individual at Carlton but will work with all 18 clubs to strengthen mental health support, including mandating a full-time psychologist and potentially raising the soft cap for resources.

The AFL has issued Carlton a $75,000 penalty for conduct deemed detrimental to the reputation of the game.

Hollands drew widespread attention during Carlton’s 83-88 Round 6 defeat to Collingwood after displaying out-of-character and at times unpredictable behaviour on the field.

For almost 90% of the opening three quarters, Hollands remained on the ground yet recorded just a single touch, an ineffective kick under pressure. Clips circulating on social media also showed him acting erratically at various points during the game.

After the match, Carlton labeled it a “mental health episode” and committed to reviewing its workplace mental health protocols. Head coach Michael Voss and his coaching staff faced significant criticism for keeping Hollands on the field for most of the game despite concerns over his condition.

The 24-year-old was admitted to hospital the following week and is currently taking personal leave.

A league review into the incident as well as the outcomes of Carlton's internal inquiry found “there were sufficient visual cues, performance data during the match, and knowledge of the player’s individual circumstances to indicate that Elijah should have been removed from play earlier than the 20-minute mark of the final quarter.”

Carlton found by the AFL to have brought the game into disrepute by leaving Elijah Hollands on the field far too long in the match against Collingwood.
Fined $75k, to be paid directly to Headspace.
Full-time psychologists will be implemented across all clubs.@FOXFOOTY…

— Drew Jones (@DrewJonesFOX) May 5, 2026

The AFL found no individual at Carlton FC responsible or at fault in relation to the incident.

“What transpired that night was something our game hasn’t seen before,” AFL chief Dillon said.

“While Elijah underwent checks, he should not have been left on the field for that period of time.

“We want to acknowledge Elijah and his family - our focus continues to be on Elijah’s wellbeing and ensuring he continues to receive the best possible care and support.

“This incident has highlighted that, while our physical injury protocols are well understood, mental health presentations are variable and complex, and therefore we will work to strengthen and standardise our approach to match day management of acute mental health episodes.

“This is bigger than one club and bigger than one night. If there is a lesson in this, it is that our duty of care continues to evolve - and that must include mental health.”

Carlton’s $75,000 penalty will be passed on to the AFL’s mental health partner, headspace.

As part of findings post the Elijah Hollands investigation, the AFL says it will mandate a full-time psychologist for every AFL and AFLW program - but that person isn’t mandated to be there on matchday at this point @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL

— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) May 5, 2026

The league has also pledged to collaborate with all 18 clubs to improve mental health support structures. That includes considering an increase to the soft cap to allow greater investment in mental health resources, and making it mandatory for every AFL and AFLW club to employ a full-time psychologist so players have an independent point of contact outside the league.