Carlton has been handed a $75,000 fine by the AFL over circumstances relating to Elijah Hollands' appearance in the Round 6 clash against Collingwood.
The fine will be paid to Headspace, a mental health service provider, which provides health and wellbeing services to young people and their families.
Carlton has accepted the fine.
"Having reviewed Carlton's report and conducted further enquiries we found there was sufficient visual cues, performance data during the match and an understanding of Elijah's individual circumstances to indicate he should've been removed from play earlier than he was," Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said.
"We also determined that the delay in removing Elijah from the field resulted in an outcome that brought the game into disrepute.
"These findings have been made against the Carlton Football Club collectively, not against any individual."
“What transpired that night was something our game hasn't seen before,” AFL Chief Executive 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.”
While Dillon and Laura Kane stressed that he should have been removed from the game earlier, they stopped short of saying he should not have started the game.
Dillon also indicated that there is a Worksafe investigation ongoing.
Kane indicated that Carlton had sufficient resources to more appropriately handle the situation which unfolded against Collingwood.
Hollands was spoken to as part of the investigation.
"I think, number one, the health of Elijah and his wellbeing is number one. The way the industry has responded in terms of the sensitive way it has been treated, I think, I'm happy with that," Dillon said.
"When you have an incident similar to this, it's about how you respond or become better and I think Laura has gone through that we have sports industry leading healthcare standards at the AFL and amongst our clubs and what we will continue to do now is improve those standards."
The AFL has made several procedural changes following its review into the incident, including mandating every club has a full-time psychologist.
They will be separate to the two club doctors currently responsible for the mental health of players.
Soft cap limitations currently restrict clubs' willingness to employ psychologists.
Consultation with clubs in relation to the change will begin immediately, which includes determining whether to mandate the psychologists be present on match-day.
Other initiatives include:
- Review the club football department soft cap, with a view to, amongst other things, increasing minimum investment in healthcare and strengthening expert capability
- Establish industry-wide 'psychological fitness to play' best practice guidance, developed in consultation with club healthcare teams
- Mandate expanded mental health literacy training across football departments
- Establish an AFL health and wellbeing committee to advise the Executive and Commission on clinical governance and implement an industry-wide healthcare incident management system
- Host a mental health media roundtable in partnership with the Black Dog Institute in the lead-up to Spud's Game
The hefty punishment and change in procedure comes following the conclusion of the league's investigation into the April 16 incident.
Hollands was hospitalised following what the club dubbed a mental health episode.
The Blues underwent an extensive review following the forward's unusual behaviour, and how it wasn't picked up despite signs before and during the Pies clash. He played 60 percent of game time and recorded one disposal.
On April 18, the AFL pressed Carlton for answers, requesting the club to provide the outcome of its review into the circumstances surrounding Hollands. It was five days later, on April 23, that the Blues handed over their findings.
Only days later, it is understood, and revealed on Channel Seven's, The Agenda Setters, that Carlton head doctor Matt Chamberlain took personal leave amid the ongoing investigation. Chamberlain was considering legal options.
