Carlton coach Michael Voss has called out the “bullying” of his people in their handling of the Elijah Hollands situation.
Hollands was admitted to hospital on Monday night following his mental health episode during last Thursday night’s clash against Collingwood.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Michael Voss addresses Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode
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Carlton have come under intense scrutiny for allowing Hollands to keep playing despite clearly struggling with just one disposal through three quarters and displaying erratic behaviour.
The club have launched an investigation and the AFL are closely monitoring.
Speaking for the first time since Thursday night, Voss launched a passionate defence of his people in a defiant stand.
“I think our people have been bullied and we bully for outcomes,” he said on Thursday.
“All I need to say is we need to take into consideration the people who are involved in this. This impacts families. It effects a lot of people.
“I’m proud of my people and the process will take care of itself. We need to put our support behind that.”
Voss, who didn’t answer direct questions about why Hollands was allowed to continue playing, also lamented the fact that it has become a “public event”, which was unavoidable given it played out in prime time.
“We’ve unfortunately made this a public event, rather than a private challenge so the commentary, the ball-by-ball play … and in some ways, I’ll be really honest, it’s felt like bordered on bullying,” he said.
“When you start to think about that as a concept about our people, that’s really important, that’s who I care about the most.
“So rather than show compassion and empathy through a really difficult situation, we are being really judgemental with knowing little facts without understanding history and background and we’ve drawn our own outcomes.
“And we can’t judge that in a binary way. It’s complex. If we’re going to have this proper conversation about mental health, then lets have it, but this is going to be an industry conversation.”
Voss also said he has been giving Hollands space over the past few days, only communicating through his family.
He also said the club have shown enormous care to Hollands throughout his time at the club.
“I’ve been communicating through his family, rather than Elijah the last few days. I think it’s important that we keep the distance and space right now,” he said.
“There certainly was immediate follow-up, but don’t want to necessary add to that commentary. What we need to acknowledge is that Elijah two years ago showed enormous courage to come forward and talk about his challenges and issues.
“And we all know that’s the first point, that’s the most significant. Last couple of years haven’t been smooth sailing for him or us. But what we have done is provided amazing mentoring, counselling, guidance specialist and professionals, both inside and out.
“All for the opportunity for a young man to be able to have a career.
“All through the discussions that I’ve had with ‘Lij’, it’s had very little to do about football and everything to do about life. We talk about the type of life he wants to live, who he wants to be. And then ultimately when you get those things right, then we talk about the footballer.
“I don’t think you should leave out that there has not been amazing care, love, support, empathy, accountability throughout this whole process.
“So when we’ve had challenging times like we did on the weekend and you start to sift through this information, you just cannot come to the conclusion that it’s about care. We accept that we need to look at that process … that will show itself over whatever time it needs to. But there is that care.”
Voss also welcomed the investigation into the process.
“The AFL’s looking into everything at this point of time. There is clearly a process that’s underway so rather than taking a blow-by-blow play on it, I think we let that process play out,” he said.
“We welcome what that looks like. I’m sure there will be some findings out of it. I don’t think speed is the answer here to try and get a response … we need to take our time with it.”
Carlton released a statement on Monday night confirming Hollands was in hospital and asked for the privacy of the player and his family to be respected.
On Tuesday morning, Hollands’ dad Ben and brother Ollie posted heartfelt messages on social media.
The Blues have been investigating the circumstances surrounding Hollands’ concerning and erratic performance against Collingwood.
The club said he suffered from a “mental health episode”, while the AFL have asked the club to provide them with the outcome of the investigation.
WorkSafe are also seeking preliminary evidence to determine if they will launch a formal investigation.
Last year, Hollands twice took personal leave from Carlton, and later revealed he had been battling mental ill-health and issues with alcohol.
Hollands, 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.
He was invited to Carlton training over summer and impressed enough to win back a spot on the list.
Hollands has played all six games this season, averaging 18.4 possessions before his concerning outing against Collingwood.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
