‘All I ever cared about’: Carlton’s Elijah Hollands reconciles end of his AFL career

September 9, 2026 — 6:37pmCarlton forward Elijah Hollands says he has come to terms with the premature end to his AFL career after being delisted by the Blues on Wednesday.Hollands, who has not played at any level since suffering a mental health episode in round six against Collingwood, is prioritising his mental wellbeing over continuing to live his childhood dream of playing football at the top level.Elijah Hollands haas finished up as an AFL footballer.Chris Hopkins“It was something that I just knew I was going to do when I was a kid, and it was all I ever cared about – and now, unfortunately, that purpose I had is no longer,” Hollands, 24, wrote in a heartfelt poston Instagram.“I love this game, but I have come to realise that there are things in my life that are far more important than footy right now, and they’re the things I will now prioritise.“As an extremely confident 18-year-old, I certainly envisioned my career going a whole lot differently, but I am okay with accepting that it just isn’t in the plans set for me.”Initially recruited by Gold Coast with pick seven in the 2020 draft, Hollands crossed to Carlton at the end of the 2023, playing 33 games in the navy blue for a total of 47 at AFL level.A highly-skilled half-forward also capable of playing in the midfield, Hollands had his best season in 2024 but lost his spot on the list after a troubled 2025 campaign. He forced his way back after a strong preseason and had been one of the Blues’ best players in their turbulent start to the year.He played three seasons with his brother Ollie at the Blues. His father Ben Hollands played eight games for Richmond in 1999.Elijah Hollands in action for the Blues.AFL Photos via Getty Images“I will cherish being able to share the stage with Ollie, and I am so grateful to say that I have done what so many dream of: playing in front of 90,000 people at the MCG with my own brother,” Hollands wrote. “That is something very special to me.“I’ll be moving into the next chapter of my life, leaving what will feel like a big hole to fill, but I am excited about what can come from having my health and mind in much greater shape.”Hollands’ erratic on-field behaviour against Collingwood in April was later attributed to “a mental health episode”. He later took personal leave from the club and spent time in hospital.After launching an investigation into the matter, the AFL fined the Blues $75,000 for bringing the game into disrepute for their handling of Hollands that night.Hollands is one of seven players to be delisted by Carlton on Tuesday. The list includes defender Lewis Young, utility Zac Williams, small defender Jordan Boyd and forward Lachie Fogarty, who have all featured in September action in their time at the club. Small forward Flynn Young and uncapped defender Harry Charleson have also been let go.Speedy backman Adam Saad remains on the list despite not playing a senior game under new coach Josh Fraser.Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.From our partners