Carlton has released a statement following the AFL concluding its findings into its Elijah Hollands investigation, which resulted in a $75,000 fine for the club.
The club reiterated its support for Hollands and the people within its football club, but was unable to provide specific context given the sensitivities of the situation, and that it is before a Worksafe enquiry.
Elijah Hollands was found to have suffered a medical episode in Carlton's Round 6 clash, with the AFL finding he should have been removed from the field sooner, and implementing a range of initiatives off the back of the findings.
FULL STATEMENT
First and foremost, the Carlton Football Club's support remains with Elijah Hollands, whose health and wellbeing continues to be the highest priority.
The Club continues to work closely with qualified medical professionals to ensure Elijah is receiving the necessary care, with support being extended to the Hollands family.
The Club would also like to thank all those who have sent through messages and have respected the privacy of the Hollands family during this time.
On 23 April, the Club provided to the AFL a detailed, factual account of the circumstances relating to Elijah Hollands and the Club's Round 6 match.
This submission made clear the Club's position that it supports its people, who are highly-respected professionals with the utmost integrity, and operate with genuine care for all players and staff who represent the football club.
The League has today determined that a decision to remove Hollands from the field should have come sooner than the 20-minute mark of the final quarter.
The club will make the $75,000 donation to Headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation which provides early intervention mental health services to young people.
The club understands the public's interest for further context to be provided on this matter, however will be unable to disclose sensitive and private information.
Further to this, it would not be appropriate to provide additional public comment while a WorkSafe enquiry remains ongoing.
“Our support for Elijah comes from a place of genuine care and understanding of him and the challenges he has been experiencing,” Carlton chief executive Graham Wright said.
“Our Club stands in unwavering support of its medical and wellbeing staff, who continue to conduct themselves with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for all our players and staff.
“We accept the outcome in the interest of enabling all parties to move forward, while continuing to ensure the health and wellbeing of our people remains a priority.
“While our process with the AFL is now concluded, throughout this time we have not lost sight of ensuring Elijah and his family continue to receive all the support and care they need. The messages of support our club has received on their behalf have been significant, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to do so.
“Elijah is taking the necessary time to prioritise his health and wellbeing right now and he will continue to do so with our full support.”
