Carlton has confirmed recruit Elijah Hollands is set to face court on possession of an illicit substance, a day after trading for him.
The 21-year-old was traded from Gold Coast on Wednesday, in a bargain deal that effectively saw the Blues only give up a future third-round pick while getting back a future fourth.
Hollands told the club about the court hearing during the trade process and the Blues say they made “an informed decision” to continue with the deal.
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The Suns said Hollands “has been served with a notice to appear in court on one count of possession of a small quantity of an illicit substance”.
He will appear at pre-season training in November as planned.
“The Carlton Football Club is aware that Elijah Hollands has been served with a notice to appear in court relating to possession of an illicit substance,” the club said in a statement.
“The club was notified last month by Hollands, who was a Gold Coast Suns player at the time, given its existing interest in bringing him to the football club.
“An informed decision was then made to proceed with the recruitment and the club will now provide the necessary support to Hollands.
“He will commence pre-season training upon its scheduled resumption in November.
“As the matter is currently before the courts, the club will make no further comment at this time.”
In a statement Gold Coast said: “The Gold Coast Suns can confirm that former player Elijah Hollands has been served with a notice to appear in court on one count of possession of a small quantity of an illicit substance.
“All players receive extensive education on the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy and are fully aware of the behaviours and standards expected of them as AFL players.
“The AFL Integrity Unit have been made aware and are in the process of conducting their own investigation.
“As the matter is currently before the courts, the club will not be making any further comments at this stage.”
The news comes on the same day it was revealed Melbourne’s Joel Smith had been handed a provisional suspension for use of an illicit substance in the days before a game this past Round 23.
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