Carlton Football Club’s Elijah Hollands, a 23-year-old AFL player, recently had an important announcement. He is stepping down from the Australian Football League (AFL) for an indefinite period to focus on his personal wellbeing. After all, he only rejoined the squad six weeks ago. This latest decision follows another hiatus he took just before the March season opener. Hollands announced this tough emotional decision to his future teammates in a speech mid-week, putting his mental health in the spotlight.
Carlton have said plenty in public about putting Hollands’ wellbeing first. The club remains 100% dedicated to providing him support in dealing with this difficult period. They’ve promised him that he can spend as much time out of the AFL program as he requires. Due to this leave, Hollands will miss this Saturday’s home game against the GWS Giants.
Hollands demonstrated that ability during post-match interviews following his return, making 25 disposals and a goal during a ‘cakewalk’ victory over Geelong. Sure enough, he’s done it to himself once more. Earlier this season, he proved a strong comeback, playing all games since returning to the team after his past hiatus.
Brad Lloyd, Carlton’s general manager of football, echoed the club’s faith in Hollands.
“While Elijah has been engaged with the football program, quite rightly it is our care for him as a person which matters most, so this period of leave will allow him to focus on himself and he will be afforded as much time as he needs to do that.” – Brad Lloyd
Lloyd went on to further emphasize the necessity of focusing on mental health in sports, saying,
“As we know the journey is certainly not linear when it comes to this space, and as a club we will ensure Elijah is given all the time, care and support he needs.”
Hollands, the elder brother of fellow Carlton player Ollie Hollands, has drawn plenty of early admiration from the club. They have praised him for his willingness to discuss his struggles with mental health. The organization had been in close contact with him since he first applied for assistance early this year.
The club has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness. This commitment brings to light the often daunting adversities athletes face in the intensely competitive environment of pro sports. Questions regarding Hollands’ role in the food scandal should be addressed once football season rolls around. In-person attendance will resume after his leave.
“We applaud Elijah for having the courage to come forward and ask for help, and we will continue to work with him to ensure he gets all the support he needs,” – Lloyd
The club’s ongoing support reflects a broader recognition of the complexities surrounding mental health, especially within the high-pressure environment of professional sports. Moving forward, discussions about Hollands’ level of involvement in the football program during his leave will occur at an appropriate time.
