Carlton aware Elijah Hollands was 'struggling in the game' as AFL demands answers after mental health episode

Carlton has swiftly ruled Elijah Hollands out of the Blues' next game after his "unprecedented" mental health episode against Collingwood.

The Blues continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hollands's concerning performance at the MCG on Thursday night.

Hollands has been getting support from father Ben and will not travel to Perth for Saturday night's match against Fremantle.

In the club's first statement since coach Michael Voss spoke post-game, Carlton chief executive Graham Wright was unable to confirm when Blues staff realised Hollands was unwell.

Wright did say Carlton officials were aware Hollands was "struggling in the game".

"Our guys were dealing with him in the game and obviously knew that he was having some problems," Wright said.

Last year, Hollands twice took personal leave from Carlton, later revealing he had been battling mental ill-health and issues with alcohol.

Wright "at this stage" ruled out alcohol or illicit substances being a factor in affecting Hollands.

"We're dealing with a mental health issue, with what we're dealing with right at the moment," Wright said at Princes Park on Sunday.

"We're in the process of going through all the circumstances leading up to the game, two or three weeks prior to the game.

"Our primary focus remains on caring for Elijah, making sure he continues to receive the medical and wellbeing support he needs.

"Elijah's mental challenges have been well documented.

"Our staff have been working alongside Elijah on this journey with him over a long period of time now, both on and off the field, providing every resource possible to ensure his welfare is paramount.

"Thursday night presented unprecedented and complex circumstances. We're taking this very seriously."

The AFL has asked Carlton for a review of the circumstances around what happened with Hollands.

"The health and wellbeing of every player is the AFL's highest priority," the league said in a statement late on Saturday.

"The AFL has today requested Carlton to, once concluded, provide the outcome of its review of the circumstances relating to Elijah Hollands' fitness to play in Thursday night's match."

Wright was unable to explain why Hollands returned to the field in the last quarter, and when someone from Carlton's football department realised the 23-year-old was struggling.

Hollands was credited with just one possession despite playing 75 per cent of the first three quarters.

"We'll work through that in the next few days," Wright said.

The former Gold Coast player was delisted by the Blues at the end of last season, despite having a year to run on his contract.

But Hollands was invited to Carlton training over the summer, impressing enough to win his spot back on the list.

He has played all six games this season, averaging 18.4 possessions before his concerning night against the Magpies.

Voss described Hollands as being "pretty shattered".

"I spoke to him after the game and he was really disappointed with how he started," Voss said on Thursday night.

"He was really upset and feels like he's let me down.

"He was pretty emotional after the game.''

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