CARLTON player Ollie Hollands has thanked the Blues and the broader footy community for their support after his brother and teammate Elijah was admitted to hospital.
Elijah Hollands was hospitalised on Monday evening, four days after he had what his club labelled a "mental health episode" during last Thursday night's match against Collingwood.
On Tuesday afternoon, Ollie posted an image of himself and Elijah as children and praised those who have offered their support.
"There are no words to describe how grateful we are for all the love and support Elijah and our family have received," Ollie wrote.
"We want to say a huge thank you to the Carlton Football Club, Blues supporters and the greater AFL community for all of your support and love.
"It's incredibly challenging watching your own brother go through something like this but the amount of support that we have received has been overwhelming and as a family we will be forever grateful."
Earlier on Tuesday, the brothers' father, Ben Hollands, posted a heartfelt message calling Elijah his "beautiful boy" and pledging to "lift him up until he is restored in full".
"This is my beautiful boy," he wrote.
"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.
"For those supporting someone who is struggling:
encourage them, affirm them, and love them.
"Go to them, remind them of who they truly are."
On Monday night, the Blues confirmed Hollands had been admitted to hospital.
"The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Elijah Hollands has been admitted to hospital this evening," the Blues said in a statement.
"While the club acknowledges the public’s interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected.
"This request for privacy extends to the media to please not report or speculate on Hollands' location and private health information."
The Blues are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hollands' behaviour at the MCG on Thursday night.
On Sunday, Carlton chief executive Graham Wright was unable to confirm when Blues staff realised Hollands was unwell during the Collingwood match.
The AFL had asked the Blues for a report on what happened during the game.
Last year, Hollands twice took personal leave from Carlton, later revealing he had been battling mental ill-health and issues with alcohol.
The former Gold Coast player, who turns 24 on Saturday, was delisted by the Blues at the end of last season, despite having a year to run on his contract.
But Hollands was invited to Carlton training over summer, impressing enough to win his spot back on the list.
He has played all six games this season, averaging 18.4 possessions before the Magpies game.
If you or anyone you know needs support, contact:
• Headspace on 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 or 13yarn.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
• Urgent Help - Play AFL: play.afl/urgent-help