Elijah Hollands' AFL career ends after mental health episode and delisting from Carlton
Consensus Summary
Elijah Hollands, a Carlton midfielder, has ended his AFL career after suffering a highly publicized mental health episode during a Round 6 game against Collingwood in April 2026. The incident, in which he recorded just one ineffective disposal from 60% game time and was later hospitalized, led to a $75,000 fine for Carlton from WorkSafe. Hollands, who had previously been delisted at the end of 2025 but reclaimed his spot through a strong 2026 pre-season, was ultimately delisted again on September 9, 2026, alongside six other players, including Zac Williams and Lachie Fogarty. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hollands reflected on his career, acknowledging the deep familial ties to AFL but prioritizing his mental health and personal growth. He expressed gratitude for the AFL community's support and looked forward to a new chapter outside football. Meanwhile, Carlton also announced the departure of assistant coach Tim Clarke after eight years, marking further changes to the club's roster and coaching staff.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Elijah Hollands was delisted by Carlton among seven players for the 2027 season, including Zac Williams, Lachie Fogarty, Jordan Boyd, Lewis Young, Flynn Young, and Harry Charleson.
- Hollands suffered an in-game mental health episode against Collingwood in Round 6, acting erratically and recording just one ineffective disposal from 60% game time.
- Carlton was fined $75,000 by WorkSafe for allowing Hollands to play in his condition during the Round 6 game.
- Hollands was initially drafted by Gold Coast with pick No. 7 in the 2020 draft and played 14 games in three years before trading to Carlton in 2022.
- Hollands played 33 games in three seasons at Carlton and was delisted at the end of 2025 but won his spot back in the 2026 pre-season with a faultless performance.
- Hollands' brother, Ollie Hollands, remains at Carlton and played alongside Elijah in AFL games.
- Hollands was hospitalised days after the Round 6 game and has not played at any level since April.
- Tim Clarke, an assistant coach at Carlton, departed after eight years across two stints, including roles as midfield coach (2016–2018, 2022) and forwards coach (2025).
- Zac Williams joined Carlton at the end of the 2020 season on a six-year contract after eight years at GWS, but managed only nine games in 2026.
- Lachie Fogarty was drafted with pick 22 by Geelong in 2017, traded to Carlton in 2020, and played 69 games for the Blues, kicking 30 goals.
- Lewis Young played 24 games for the Western Bulldogs before crossing to Carlton in 2022, finishing with 70 games for the Blues.
- Jordan Boyd and Flynn Young were mid-season draftees, with Boyd playing 40 games and Flynn playing 11 games for Carlton.
- Harry Charleson was delisted after never breaking through for an AFL game at Carlton.
- Hollands posted a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night (September 9, 2026) reflecting on his career and mental health journey.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Hollands has not been seen or heard from since the Round 6 game until his statement on September 9, 2026, marking a five-month silence.
- Hollands cherished playing in front of 90,000 people at the MCG with his brother Ollie, calling it 'something very special to me.'
- Hollands expressed gratitude for the AFL community's support, hoping more support can be shown to athletes and their families.
- Hollands' mental health episode occurred in April 2026, and he has not played since then.
- Hollands' total AFL career includes 47 games, with 14 at Gold Coast and 33 at Carlton.
- Hollands thanked the greater AFL community for its support since his mental health challenges became public.
- Hollands' erratic behavior during the Round 6 game caught the attention of fans even before the game started.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- Article 1 states Hollands was delisted at the end of 2025, while Articles 2, 3, and 4 state he was delisted among seven players on September 9, 2026, after being given a chance to win his spot back in the 2026 pre-season.
Source Articles
Elijah Hollands breaks five-month silence after mental health episode
The now-delisted Carlton midfielder has poured his heart out in an emotional message.
Carlton delist Elijah Hollands and Zac Williams among host of list changes as Tim Clarke departs
The Blues have made seven list changes and farewelled a coach as the club undergoes major change.
Hollands opens up on axing from Carlton AFL roster
Elijah Hollands is at peace with the end of his Carlton career, saying he realises there are more important things in life that he needs to focus on.
Carlton delist Elijah Hollands and Zac Williams among host of list changes as Tim Clarke departs
The Blues have made seven list changes and farewelled a coach as the club undergoes major change.
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