Carlton have been slapped with a $75,000 fine for mishandling Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode during a game.
Hollands has been on the sidelines since his erratic behaviour during an April 16 match against Collingwood.
The Blues were found to have brought the game into disrepute by their treatment of the 24-year-old. Their fine will be paid to the AFL’s mental health partner, Headspace.
The AFL has also made mandatory for every club to employ a full-time psychologist.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the league conducted its own inquiries after receiving a report from Carlton.
“We found that there was sufficient visual cues, performance data, during the match, and an understanding of Elijah’s individual circumstances, to indicate that he should have been removed from play earlier than he was,” Dillon told reporters in Melbourne.
“The delay … resulted in an outcome that brought the game into disrepute. These findings have been made against the Carlton Football Club collectively, not against any individual.”
Hollands was admitted to hospital in the days following the Collingwood match, when he managed only one disposal.
Hollands has previously spoken of his mental health issues and his coach Michael Voss claimed Carlton were being “bullied” while defending the club’s management of the 47-gamer.
Dillon said the Hollands scenario was unique and a pivotal moment for the league.
“What transpired during the game was something we haven’t seen before,” he said.
“And while Elijah did undergo checks, he should not have been left on the field for that period of time.
“The incident has highlighted something important for our game. Whilst our physical injury protocols are strong and well understood, mental health presentations can be variable and are complex.
“That means we need to strengthen and standardise how we respond on match day to acute mental health episodes.”
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