The family of Carlton footballer Elijah Hollands, including his brother and teammate Ollie, have thanked the football community for its support after the 23-year-old was admitted to hospital this week.

Elijah was hospitalised on Monday, four days after he took to the field in Thursday night’s match against Collingwood, recording just one disposal during what the club labelled a “mental health episode”.

On Tuesday, his younger brother Ollie — who featured alongside him in the Blues side — posted an image of himself and Elijah as children, thanking those who had offered support.

“There are no words to describe how grateful we are for all the love and support Elijah and our family have received,” Ollie wrote on Instagram.

“We want to say a huge thank you to the Carlton Football Club, Blues supporters and the greater AFL community for all of your support and love.

“It’s incredibly challenging watching your own brother go through something like this but the amount of support that we have received has been overwhelming and as a family we will be forever grateful.”

It followed an emotional statement by their father, Ben, who penned a series of heartfelt words on social media.

“This is my beautiful boy,” Ben posted with a smiling photo of his son in his Carlton jumper.

“For anyone in the midst of healing. You are loved. You have a unique and defined purpose. You are seen whole.

“I know who my son is — and I will lift him up until he is restored in full.”

Ben Hollands, who played for Richmond in 1999, also had a broader message around mental health.

“For those supporting someone who is struggling: Encourage them, affirm them, and love them,” he wrote.

It comes amid revelations WorkSafe Victoria is now looking into the Blues over the club’s handling of the matter, 7NEWS reported.

It’s understood the watchdog will begin posing questions to the AFL and Carlton in the next week regarding how Hollands was able to play against Collingwood in the condition that he did.

WorkSafe will seek preliminary evidence before they decide whether a formal investigation is required.

“WorkSafe is assessing the matter to determine whether any action is required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act,” they said in a statement.

Carlton has already ruled Elijah out of the club’s clash with Fremantle in Perth on Saturday night. It has not revealed if Oliver will take his place in the side at Optus Stadium. The Blues will travel to Perth on Friday morning.

The AFL has also requested a review from Carlton around the circumstances. The club on Monday night posted a short statement saying the 47-gamer had entered medical care.

“The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Elijah Hollands has been admitted to hospital this evening,” the statement read.

“While the club acknowledges the public’s interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected.”

Last year, Elijah took personal leave from Carlton on two occasions, later revealing he had been battling poor mental health and alcohol-related issues.

The former Gold Coast player, who turns 24 on Saturday, was delisted by the Blues at the end of last season despite having a year to run on his contract but was invited to train with the club again over the summer.

He earned his spot back on the list on the eve of the season and has played all six games so far in 2026.

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