Carlton have withdrawn Ollie Hollands from tonight’s game against Fremantle at Optus Stadium after deciding it is best to look after him following an emotional week.
Ollie is Elijah Hollands’ brother and spent the week dealing with the emotion of him being the centre of attention for his performance and erratic on-field behaviour against Collingwood last week.
Elijah was then hospitalised during the week and the club has spent the week under investigation for why he wasn’t removed from the game earlier.
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Ollie travelled to Perth with the Blues and took part in their Captain’s Run at Optus Stadium on Friday.
But the Blues have decided to not take the risk of him playing in the game given what he has been through all week. It is understood Hollands wanted to play but Carlton forwards coach Josh Fraser said the Blues coaching staff and leadership group decided it was in his best interests not to play.
“It was a situation where Ollie was really keen to play,” Fraser told ABC Radio.
“After the week that he’s had and through the leadership of the club we just decided that it might be best for him to miss this game.
“He was keen to play and be around the group and it was really just a late call to give himself every opportunity to keep himself fresh and healthy for next week.”
Carlton’s entire club is interstate this weekend because the VFL squad is playing in Tasmania. The Blues were keen for Hollands to remain with his teammates instead of being by himself in Victoria.
Matt Cottrell has come into the line-up as Hollands’ replacement.
Elijah Hollands had only one disposal from 60 per cent playing time against Collingwood and fans noticed his erratic behaviour early in the match. Carlton described the incident as a mental health episode and he has been open about the challenges he has faced during his life.
Ollie Hollands Credit: Gary Ramage/The West Australian
The Blues later opened an investigation into the build up to the game and the way they assessed Hollands during the match in a bid to get to the bottom of why it wasn’t handled better.
The club copped plenty of criticism for not noticing Hollands’ issue in the hours before the game and then allowing him to remain on the field.
Carlton coach Michael Voss spoke out against the wave of criticism during the week saying he felt the pile on was an example of bullying. He defended the way Carlton had looked after Hollands throughout his entire time at the club.
Elijah’s dad published an emotional social media post about his son saying:
“This is my beautiful boy,” the Instagram post said.
“For anyone in the midst of healing … You are loved. You have a unique and defined purpose. You are seen whole.
“I know who my son is — and I will lift him up until he is restored in full.
“For those supporting someone who is struggling: encourage them, affirm them, and love them.
“Go to them, remind them of who they truly are.”
