AFL star busted with cocaine at casino

Elijah Benjamin Hollands escaped a conviction after pleading guilty at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday to a single charge of possessing a dangerous drug.

He was instead ordered to be of good behaviour for two months and attend a drug diversion program.

Outside court, Hollands, 21, told waiting media he made a “mistake” he was “extremely remorseful for”.

“It’s not just impacted me, but my family as well,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the Carlton Football Club and the Gold Coast Suns for their continued support over the last few weeks.”

The court was told security at the Star Casino, in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, found Hollands’ wallet in one of the toilets at 9.29pm on September 3.

A pocket of the wallet contained a small clip seal bag containing less than a gram of cocaine.

Hollands’ wallet was returned to him but police seized the drug.

A day later, he attended Broadbeach Police Station and admitted the cocaine was for his personal use.

Hollands, a 2020 top-10 draft pick, was traded from the Gold Coast Suns to the Blues on October 18.

His lawyer Darren Mahoney said Hollands’ mother was ill at the time, which might have influenced his client’s thinking at the time.

“Sometimes a young man with otherwise exemplary character, a good family and a bright future does something foolish,” Mr Mahoney told the court.

“The practical reality is he will suffer beyond what this court imposes – in the community … that is inevitable.”

References from the chief executive of the Suns, as well as his manager, were tendered to the court.

Magistrate Mark Bamberry said it appeared to be a “moment of weakness” for the young man but said he was otherwise a good candidate for the drug diversion program.

Hollands was placed on a two-month recognisance order with no conviction recorded.

He was also ordered to attend a drug assessment and education session next month.

Earlier this month the Suns confirmed the AFL’s Integrity Unit had launched their own investigation into Hollands’ conduct when he was first charged.

“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 club said in a statement.

Carlton themselves also confirmed they were made aware of Hollands’ pending court charges.

“An informed decision was then made to proceed with the recruitment and the Club will now provide the necessary support to Hollands,” a Carlton spokesman said on October 19.

“He will commence pre-season training upon its scheduled resumption in November.

Earlier this month, Blues list manager Nick Austin said he was keen to recruit Hollands after the club lost midfielder Paddy Dow.

Mr Dow had requested a trade to St Kilda.

“Elijah is a contracted player and Gold Coast has got a bit to work through, they’ve got a new coach, those sort of things,” Mr Austin said.

Originally published as ‘Foolish’: AFL star, Carlton recruit Elijah Hollands dodges conviction for cocaine possession