Bailey Smith has delivered a powerful and emotional message in support of Elijah Hollands and the Dawson family, following confronting scenes that have shaken the AFL world.
During his worrying performance against Collingwood on Thursday night Hollands was reportedly suffering from a mental health episode and not under the influence of drugs, as per the club.
While the AFL community has widely wrapped its arm around the former Gold Coast player as its chief concern, serious questions are now being asked about how and why the incident occurred.
It came just one day after the brother of Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson was found dead on Wednesday afternoon.
Speaking on Channel 7 after Geelong’s big win over the Bulldogs on Friday night, Bailey Smith paused to deliver a heartfelt message that quickly resonated across the football world.
“There’s one thing I want to touch on which is maybe out of pocket but I just want to shout out the Dawson family and Elijah Hollands last night,” Smith said.
“I think it’s about time the AFL gets a men’s mental health round, it just makes me feel sick during the week and hopefully the AFL community wraps their arms around them and we can do something.
You can watch Bailey Smith’s interview in the video above
“I think it’s just human nature to rally around [people], I think the world can be quite toxic at times …
“Speak to your mates, put your arm around your loved ones. You never know who might need it.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss made a statement about Hollands’ condition after the game, saying the young midfielder was “shattered” and felt he “let people down” following the five-point loss.
Now, it has been revealed the Blues are “absolutely certain” Hollands’ issues are not substance-related.
“The Blues are absolutely certain Hollands’ issues are not substance-related, but instead prompted by complex mental health challenges that the player has previously discussed,” SEN’s Sam Edmund reported.
“The club has taken a detailed look into Hollands’ movements in the build-up to the game and needed to be convinced the player’s actions at the MCG were not brought on by behavioural issues.
“But after investigating the circumstances and working in consultation with the AFL and medical experts, they are completely satisfied Hollands’ situation was a medical issue.”
It is understood there were no warning signs in Hollands’ warm-up to suggest he was in a fragile mental state.
He played 60 per cent of the game but Blues staff became increasingly aware as the match went on that he should not have been on the field, featuring for just nine minutes in the fourth quarter.
Carlton later confirmed the club is providing ongoing care.
“The Carlton Football Club is continuing to provide close and ongoing care to Elijah Hollands, who suffered a mental health episode on Thursday night,” the club said.
“The 23-year-old is continuing to receive the appropriate level of medical and wellbeing support, with Hollands’ welfare remaining the number one priority.”
The incident sparked widespread debate, with Fox Footy analyst David King questioning how the situation was allowed to unfold in real time.
But it was Smith’s later post-match interview that struck the strongest chord.
The raw comments immediately sparked a wave of reaction from fans online.
“Whether you like him or not. Baz said it perfectly,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “Staggering there is no round dedicated to men’s Mental health . Surely now.”
Others, however, questioned whether symbolic gestures would be enough.
“I love what you said but a dedicated round isn’t gonna fix any issues,” one fan posted.
“Heartbreaking: Worst person you know makes a great point,” another wrote.
The discussion has again highlighted the broader mental health crisis facing Australia.
In Australia an average of nine people kill themselves every day, seven of them are men.
Hollands, who previously opened up about his struggles, had taken personal leave from the AFL last season due to mental health issues and a battle with alcohol.
Originally published as Bailey Smith makes emotional plea for AFL men’s mental health round