Carlton recruit Elijah Hollands is expected to miss the opening rounds of the 2024 AFL season after being found in possession of an illicit substance during his time as a Gold Coast Suns player.
Hollands was traded to the Blues prior to this week's trade deadline, with the Victorian club made aware of the 21-year-old's pending court hearing before the acquisition.
"The Club was notified last month by Hollands, who was a Gold Coast Suns player at the time, given its existing interest in bringing him to the football club," a club statement read.
"An informed decision was then made to proceed with the recruitment and the Club will now provide the necessary support to Hollands."
The Blues confirmed Hollands is expected to join teammates for pre-season training in November, while his court appearance is set to take place later this month.
According toย The Herald Sun,ย Hollands is expected to be hit with a two-game suspension and have a drug strike placed on his record.
Collingwood's Jack Ginnivan and Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith were both suspended for two matches over the past 18 months for "conduct unbecoming" following separate drug-related matters.
The suspension would see Hollands unavailable for the Blues' opening two games at either AFL or VFL level next year, with the outside midfielder having ended his 2023 campaign at the latter level as part of the Suns' premiership side.
Carlton are expected to face contemporary Round 1 rivals Richmond early into next season, but their encounter may not occur until the second round of the 2024 campaign.
A recent report has revealed the AFL is weighing up having preliminary final winners Brisbane host the Blues at the Gabba to open up a split Round 1 fixture, with Carlton potentially facing Richmond at the MCG the following week.
The Tigers would also play over the two weeks, starting their campaign with a match against the Gold Coast Suns in Carrara where they'd face former senior coach Damien Hardwick.
If that was to be the case, then Hollands may be in line to miss those matches against the Lions and Tigers in 2024 before being cleared to make his Carlton debut.
