The AFL has fined Carlton $75,000 for its handling of Elijah Hollands's on-field mental health episode during a match against Collingwood on April 16. The league found that the delay in removing Hollands from the game brought the sport into disrepute.
AFL chief Andrew Dillon stated that there were sufficient visual cues and performance data, along with knowledge of Hollands's history, to indicate he should have been taken off earlier. The fine will be paid to the AFL's mental health partner, Headspace.
In response, the AFL announced new measures, including requiring all clubs to employ a full-time psychologist or equivalent, and developing stronger league-wide guidance for players' psychological fitness to play. The league will work with clubs to establish industry-wide protocols.
Carlton acknowledged the findings and confirmed it would pay the fine. The club emphasized its ongoing support for Hollands, who was hospitalized five days after the game, and stated it would not disclose sensitive private information while a WorkSafe inquiry continues.
