WorkSafe looking into Carlton's handling of Elijah Hollands situation
7NEWS understands the watchdog will begin posing questions to the club.
7news.com.auRecent news about Ben Hollands centers on his public support for his son, Elijah Hollands, a Carlton Football Club AFL player facing serious mental health challenges.[1]
Ben Hollands, a former AFL player who appeared in eight matches for Richmond in 1999, posted an emotional Instagram message on April 20-21, 2026, calling Elijah his "beautiful boy" and vowing to "uphold him until he is completely restored." He urged others to check on friends in distress, validate them, and remind them of their worth, amid Elijah's hospitalization following a "mental health episode" during a game against Collingwood on April 17.[2][3][4][1]
This comes as WorkSafe Victoria probes Carlton's handling of the incident, with Elijah (23, turning 24 on April 26) having previously managed mental health and alcohol issues, including personal leave last year. The family has requested privacy while the club investigates.[4][5]