Collingwood icon Scott Pendlebury said he spoke to Elijah Hollands after last week's game against Carlton, but "didn't pick up anything".
Hollands experienced a mental health episode during the Thursday night clash at the MCG, and only registered on disposal for the match, despite playing 60 per cent of the game.
Pendlebury, speaking on Triple M before the Bulldogs-Swans match, was lauding the 23-year-old on his direction to teammates.
"After the game, I briefly spoke to him. On the ground, I don't know about kicks, marks and handballs," the Pies gun said.
"On the ground, he was really instructional to his teammates about where to run, where to move. I said to him you are really good out there with instructing your teammates.
"I didn't pick up anything after the game.
"The role he plays at Carlton, we cross paths in the role that I do. He's sort of up and down the middle, similar to me. I could just hear him directing players on the field. 'Got to move there. Come back here. Go that way.'
"We've played Carlton before, so I know what his role is, and I didn't pick up anything, because he was in the same spots.
"I couldn't tell you if he didn't have one kick, but I could hear him on the field quite regularly because it's what he's always done."
Pendlebury said that the silver lining of Hollands' situation is that it's prompting discussion around a dedicated mental health round, whilst also looking at the soft cap in a bid to "beef up" the money that can be spent on the care and wellbeing of players.
The AFL, AFLPA and the Blues have been reviewing the situation, with the club releasing a statement on Thursday.
"The Carlton Football Club continues to prioritise the welfare of Elijah Hollands, alongside providing ongoing support for his family and our club's people, through what remains a complex and challenging time," the statement started.
"The Club can confirm it has responded this evening to the AFL's request and provided an account of the circumstances relating to Hollands and the Club's Round 6 match.
"The Club understands the significant interest in this matter; however, out of respect for the sensitivities involved, the Club will not be providing further comment until the AFL process has been finalised.
"We thank our members and the public for their patience and understanding as the Club continues to work through this matter alongside the AFL and the AFLPA, with a high level of sensitivity, care and diligence."
Coach Michael Voss staunchly defended "his people" on Thursday at his weekly press conference, saying some of the coverage is "bordering on bullying".
"We accept that we need to look at the process," Voss said.
"I don't think speed's the answer ... we need to take our time with it. This is not about speed.
"It's important to give Elijah distance and space."
