The father of Elijah Hollands has posted powerful and emotional words of support amid the Carlton player being admitted to hospital, vowing to “lift him up until he is restored in full.”
Ben Hollands penned a series of heartfelt words on Instagram as the football world rallies around the 23-year-old Blue, who experienced a mental health episode during last Thursday night’s game against Collingwood.
“This is my beautiful boy,” the player’s father posted with a smiling photo of his son in his Carlton jumper.
“For anyone in the midst of healing… You are loved. You have a unique and defined purpose. You are seen whole.
“I know who my son is — and I will lift him up until he is restored in full.”
The older Hollands, who played for Richmond in 1999 and whose middle son Oliver also plays for Carlton, also had a broader message around mental health.
“For those supporting someone who is struggling: Encourage them, affirm them, and love them,” he wrote.
“Go to them, remind them of who they truly are.”
The AFL has requested a review from Carlton around the circumstances of what happened with Hollands during last Thursday night’s match.
The club on Monday night posted a short statement saying the 47-gamer had entered medical care.
“The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Elijah Hollands has been admitted to hospital this evening,” the statement read.
“While the club acknowledges the public’s interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected.”
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