Carlton have withdrawn Ollie Hollands from tonight’s game against Fremantle at Optus Stadium after deciding it is best to look after him following an emotional week.
Ollie is Elijah Hollands’ brother and spent the week dealing with the emotion of him being the centre of attention for his performance and erratic on-field behaviour against Collingwood last week. Elijah was then hospitalised during the week and the club has spent the week under investigation for why he wasn’t removed from the game earlier.
Ollie travelled to Perth with the Blues and took part in their Captain’s Run at Optus Stadium on Friday. But the Blues have decided to not take the risk of him playing in the game given what he has been through all week. It is understood Hollands wanted to play but the club felt it was best for him to be rested.
Carlton’s entire club is interstate this weekend because the VFL squad is playing in Tasmania. The Blues were keen for Hollands to remain with his teammates instead of being by himself in Victoria. Matt Cottrell has come into the line-up as Hollands’ replacement.
