Delisted Carlton midfielder Elijah Hollands has poured his heart out after having his AFL career officially come to an end.
Hollands has not played footy at any level since being admitted to hospital after suffering an in-game mental health episode against Collingwood in Round 6.
The embattled midfielder was acting erratically during the game and recorded just one ineffective disposal from 60 per cent game time.
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Employment watchdog WorkSafe were made aware of the situation in the aftermath and a subsequent investigation saw the Blues slapped with a $75,000 fine for allowing Hollands to play in the condition that he did.
The concerning behaviour sparked weeks of speculation as Carlton officials went into damage control over how the situation unfolded, while Hollands was not seen or heard from.
Speaking for the first time since that night in April, Hollands says he has discovered there is more to life than footy.
“I have spent a long time trying to find the best way to deliver the emotions I’ve felt over this decision, but I don’t think it will ever be perfect, so here’s my best effort,” he wrote on Wednesday night.
“Football means an extreme amount to me. My dad played professional footy, my great-grandfather played professional footy, my brother plays professional footy — it is everything I have lived and breathed for as long as I can remember.
“I have only ever wanted to do one thing my entire life: copy what was done before me and play AFL footy.
“It was something that I just knew I was going to do when I was a kid, and it was all I ever cared about — and now, unfortunately, that purpose I had is no longer.
“I love this game, but I have come to realise that there are things in my life that are far more important than footy right now, and they’re the things I will now prioritise.”
Hollands was initially drafted by Gold Coast with pick No.7 in the 2020 draft, but played just 14 games in three years at the Suns before requesting a trade to Carlton, where his brother Ollie had been picked up in 2022.
He played 33 games in three seasons at the Blues and showed at times why his talent was unquestionable, but struggled with off-field issues.
Hollands was delisted at the end of 2025 but was given the opportunity to win his spot back on the list and took it with a faultless 2026 pre-season.
“As an extremely confident 18-year-old, I certainly envisioned my career going a whole lot differently, but I am okay with accepting that it just isn’t in the plans set for me,” Hollands continued.
“I will cherish being able to share the stage with Ollie, and I am so grateful to say that I have done what so many dream of: playing in front of 90,000 people at the MCG with my own brother. That is something very special to me.
“I’ll be moving into the next chapter of my life, leaving what will feel like a big hole to fill, but I am excited about what can come from having my health and mind in much greater shape.
“Lastly, I want to thank all the people who have supported me throughout my time in footy. With my challenges being so public, one thing I have noticed is that I have been backed by the greater AFL community, which I will be forever grateful for.
“I hope that kind of support can be shown more to both athletes and the people around each and every one of us.
“I can’t wait to be able to support the great friends I’ve made in footy, and Ollie, from the other side of the fence. Thank you.”
