AFL star walks away amid ‘personal issues’

The Carlton star has taken indefinite personal leave to deal with ‘personal issues’ in a big blow to the AFL premiership contenders.

Carlton’s Elijah Hollands has taken indefinite leave to deal with ‘personal issues’, the Blues announced on Tuesday evening.

The club will afford the 22-year-old “as much time as he needs” away from the game.

Hollands played 22 senior games for Carlton last year after arriving via trade from Gold Coast in late 2023, averaging 17.8 disposals and 4.5 marks per game.

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The Blues, “fully supportive” of Hollands’ call, said in a statement: “The Carlton Football Club will continue to provide its full support to forward Elijah Hollands, who has made the decision to take a period of leave due to personal reasons.

“Hollands approached club officials with openness several weeks ago, asking for support to work through personal issues.

“Both the club and Hollands, in consultation with his close support network, have been working towards the best approach to support the 22-year-old through this time. 

“Those discussions have led to Hollands making the necessary decision to now take the required time to deal with his personal circumstances, without the immediate demands of performing at AFL level.”

Elijah Hollands has walked away from the game indefinitely. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

 “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,” Carlton General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said in a statement.

“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.

Elijah Hollands (left) of the Blues celebrates after scoring a goal during the Round 18 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Carlton. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“Elijah’s level of involvement within the football program during this period will be worked through at the appropriate time, however that certainly sits secondary to Elijah’s wellbeing – which is our number one priority. 

“We would once again like to acknowledge Elijah for his willingness to come to us for support, and we will certainly continue to provide him with that support through this next period.”

The Blues added: “Due to the personal nature of Hollands’ circumstances, the club will not be providing any further ongoing commentary until it is necessary to do so, and politely asks for Hollands’ privacy to be respected during this time.”

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