Carlton recruit Elijah Hollands receives two-match ban after drug possession charge

Carlton recruit Elijah Hollands will have a delayed start to his time as a Blue after the AFL handed down its penalties over his drug possession charge.

Carlton recruit Elijah Hollands has been banned from the club’s two blockbuster opening matches next season after the AFL found him guilty of “conduct unbecoming” following his recent cocaine possession charge.

It means the former Gold Coast player, who was traded to the Blues last month, will be ineligible to play in the ‘opening round’ clash with grand finalists Brisbane as well as the round 1 match against old rivals Richmond.

Elijah Hollands outside the Southport Magistrates Court. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Hollands will also receive a strike under the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy and a $5000 suspended fine.

He won’t be allowed to play in any VFL practice matches in that time frame, which means his start to the 2023 season will be compromised.

Hollands avoided conviction in a Queensland court late last month after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine.

But he was handed a two-month good behaviour bond and instructed to complete a drug-education program, which he has since completed.

Elijah Hollands was traded to Carlton last month. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Both the Blues and the Suns were aware of the possession charge that Hollands was facing when they sorted out a trade last month with Hollands reuniting with his younger brother Ollie at IKON Park.

In handing down the AFL’s penalty, the league’s general counsel Stephen Meade said footballers had no excuse given the education they regularly receive on drugs.

“AFL Players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances, and have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their careers to uphold community expectations,” Meade said in a statement.

The AFL now considers the matter closed.

Hollands, 21, played only 14 AFL games with the Suns, having been the club’s pick 7 in the 2020 national draft.

He was traded to the Blues, along with pick 28 and a future fourth-round selection in exchange for pick 26 and a future third-rounder.

Carlton said recently it had made “an informed decision” to proceed with the trade and would support “the necessary support” for Hollands.