Why drugs charge didn’t stop Blues from recruiting Elijah Hollands

Carlton spent three weeks checking on recruit Elijah Hollands, enlisting psychologists, coaches, administrators, the club board, an integrity consultant and the midfielder’s parents, before agreeing to recruit him after he was charged with possessing illicit drugs.

That drug charge was resolved in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday when the 20-year-old agreed to be of good behaviour for two months and to undertake a drug diversion program after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine. No conviction was recorded.

Elijah Hollands was traded to Carlton after the Blues did rigorous checks on him.Credit: Getty

A picture has emerged, however, of the extensive “due diligence” the Blues undertook before trading for Hollands, who came at a heavily discounted price in the draft because of his drug charge.

The Blues also consulted the AFL before proceeding with the trade for Hollands, whom Carlton had in their sights long before the player – who was pick No.7 in the 2020 national draft – was charged.

Three sources involved in the discussions confirmed – after requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks – the work that Carlton undertook after being made aware of Hollands’ charge in September, a day after police in Queensland charged him.

Carlton coach Michael Voss spoke directly to Hollands – whose brother Ollie was already on the Blues’ list – as did other club officials, and the recruitment had to be cleared by the club board before the trade could be finalised.

Michael Voss spoke to Hollands before the club agreed to recruit him and the board approved the decision Credit: Getty

As a result of their investigation, the Blues were persuaded that Hollands was a decent man who had made a mistake and would not be bringing a problem to the club. They also felt they knew the family well through his brother.

After the matter was resolved on Tuesday, Blues’ football manager Brad Lloyd said the club would provide Hollands with a fresh start.

“Elijah made a mistake, had been up front with us prior to joining the club regarding this situation and has taken full ownership of what was a poor decision,” Lloyd said.

“The strong leadership our club has will allow Elijah to enter our environment with the support he needs, and just like any player who walks through our doors, he will get to work on earning the respect of his teammates from day one of pre-season training.”

Gold Coast, too, was entirely transparent about Hollands’ legal situation, agreeing to pay a small share of Hollands’ contract as part of the deal that sent him, pick 28 and a future fourth-round selection to the Blues for pick 26 and a future third-round pick.

Hollands was recovering from a knee reconstruction when the Suns drafted him, and the pace of his rehabilitation was hampered by COVID-related interruptions.

He did not make his debut with Gold Coast until round 19, 2022, but earned a Rising Star nomination in just his third match after getting 23 touches and kicking two goals against Hawthorn.

After playing the first four games this season he then fell out of favour mid-season before interim coach Steven King played him in the final five matches, bringing his games tally at the Suns to 14. King joined Geelong as an assistant coach last week.

Although Hollands’ legal case was resolved at the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, he may still face a sanction from the AFL, which could, based on precedent, suspend him for two games.

Carlton defender racially vilified at Essendon game

Marnie Vinall
Carlton defender Vaomua Laloifi is deeply hurt after being racially vilified during last weekend’s round nine clash with Essendon at Windy Hill.

The club said the incident occurred during the third quarter, where it is understood targeted comments were made directly at Laloifi from an individual in the crowd who has yet to be identified.

Carlton reported the comments to the AFL integrity unit representative who was at the ground and the comments are now being investigated and the person identified.

Mua Laloifi reported being racially abused during the Essendon game on Saturday.Credit: AFL Photos

Carlton CEO Brian Cook said the club was providing support for Laloifi and condemned vilification of any kind.

“We are shattered as a club that a person we deeply care for in Mua, who brings so much joy and love to so many people, would be subjected to such disgusting behaviour,” Cook said.

“Such behaviour is not welcome at any level of society, let alone at the football. Coming to the football should be a safe and enjoyable place for all, it is not a place for such ignorant and bigoted language.

“Our focus and our energy continues to be on doing everything we possibly can to support Mua during this time, who has been put in a position that no person deserves to experience.”

Essendon have apologised to Laloifi and Carlton for the “abhorrent behaviour”.

“Vilification, racial or otherwise, has absolutely no place in our society. We must continue to use our platform as a club to call out this behaviour and make a stand against this hateful and hurtful act,” the Bombers said in a statement.

“The club will now work to identify the individual with the view to educate and, where possible, apply the appropriate punishments.”

The AFL echoed both clubs and said “racism is never OK”.

“Racist comments cause significant hurt and harm for the player involved and their families and we stand with all our clubs in calling out racist behaviour,” the league said in a statement.

“The AFL wants to make it clear that there is no place for racism in our game and those who are found to be responsible for vilification at our matches will receive a lifetime ban and are no longer welcome at the footy.

The AFL clarified that since the beginning of the 2023 season, the AFL has acted on the above and issued 17 lifetime bans for fans who have been found guilty of racial vilification.

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