Why drugs charge didn’t stop Blues from recruiting Elijah Hollands

Before deciding to sign recruit Elijah Hollands, who had been accused of drug possession, Carlton spent three weeks investigating him and consulting with psychiatrists, coaches, administrators, the club board, an integrity expert, and the midfielder’s parents.

The 20-year-old admitted guilt to carrying cocaine on Tuesday, and the drug charge was dropped in Southport Magistrates Court when he promised to participate in a drug diversion program and be well-behaved for two months. There was no conviction noted.

But a picture of the Blues’ rigorous “due diligence” has surfaced prior to dealing for Hollands, who was selected at a significantly reduced price in the draft owing to a drug accusation.

Prior to completing the deal for Hollands, who was selected with choice No. 7 in the 2020 national draft, Carlton had their eye on the player even before he was charged. The Blues also spoke with the AFL.

After asking anonymity owing to the sensitive nature of the discussions, three persons participated in the discussions corroborated the work that Carlton did once he learned of Hollands’ accusation in September, the day after Queensland police had charged him.

Carlton coach Michael Voss spoke directly to Hollands, whose brother Ollie was already on the Blues’ list, as did other club officials, and the recruitment had to be cleared by the club board before the trade could be finalized.

The Blues were convinced after their inquiry that Hollands was a good man who had made a mistake and would not be an issue for the team. Because of his sibling, they also thought they knew the family well.

Following Tuesday’s resolution, Brad Lloyd, the football manager for the Blues, stated that the team will give Holland a new beginning.

Lloyd stated, “Elijah made a mistake, had been upfront with us regarding this situation prior to joining the club, and has taken full ownership of what was a poor decision.”