Carlton's Elijah Hollands takes indefinite leave for the second time in 2025 season
The 23-year-old first took a break two days before the Blues' AFL season opener in March, telling teammates in an emotional mid-week address.
He returned to the side for the 82-point win over North Melbourne on Good Friday then racked up 25 disposals and a goal in a win over Geelong the following week.
Hollands has played every game since but has now sidelined himself for the foreseeable future, beginning with this Saturday's home game against the GWS Giants.
Carlton have offered their 'full support' Hollands and will give him as much time away from the AFL program as he needs.
'Our support for Elijah remains ongoing, with the focus being on what is in the best interests of his personal health and wellbeing,' football boss Brad Lloyd said.
'As we know the journey is certainly not linear when it comes to this space, and as a club we will ensure Elijah is given all the time, care and support he needs.'
The older brother of Blues teammate Ollie, Hollands was praised by the club for being open about his issues before the season.
'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,' Lloyd said at the time.
'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'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.'
Hollands was in good spirits in post-match interviews after his return to the team.
'It definitely gives me a different perspective on it now,' he told Fox Sports after the win over St Kilda in Spud's Game, dedicated to the late great Danny Frawley and mental health awareness.
'I didn't really know much about it and then it just smacks you between the face.
'It's such a great game and one that I'm really proud to be a part of, it sends a great message and it's great that we can honour Spud with this match.'
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