Carlton coach Michael Voss has launched a passionate defence of the club, claiming Blues staffers have been "bullied" amid the Elijah Hollands saga.
The Blues are facing heat for their treatment of Hollands, who was allowed to play 60 per cent of game time against Collingwood last Thursday despite appearing disorientated and totally out of sorts.
Hollands was admitted to hospital on Monday night and Voss on Thursday fronted the media for the first time since the post-game press conference at the MCG.
"It has felt like it's bordering on bullying," said Voss of the scrutiny on the club and staffers.
When pressed further, Voss said: "I think our people are being bullied".
He called for more "empathy and compassion", pointing at those making judgements without the full facts.
Investigations are ongoing inside Carlton, with the AFL awaiting answers.
The Blues believe Hollands suffered a mental health episode against the Magpies.
"We accept that we need to look at the process," Voss said.
Voss urged those looking for a quick resolution to be patient.
"I don't think speed's the answer ... we need to take our time with it. This is not about speed," Voss said.
Voss said the club was not prepared to give "blow by blow" updates, adding: "This can't be a public event. It's a private challenge".
The Blues coach said he was "prepared to take bullets" to protect Hollands' privacy.
Voss made it clear that the media and others should look at this situation through the lens of Hollands' family, clearly asking for privacy and respect.
When asked for an update on Hollands' condition, Voss would only say he has been communicating through Hollands' family in recent days.
"It's important to give Elijah distance and space," said Voss.
Voss said Hollands had shown "enormous" courage in the past, talking about his challenges.
"The last couple of years haven't been smooth sailing for him or us," Voss said.
"What we have done is provide amazing mentoring, counselling, guidance ... with professionals inside and out."
Voss said he had held constant conversations with Hollands through the journey, more about life than footy.
The besieged coach said he would continue to front up to work with a positive mindset despite the dramas.
"You won't see me kicking the dirt ever, mate," Voss said.
