Former Gold Coast Suns player Elijah Hollands has been ordered to front court after allegedly being caught possessing drugs.
The news came less than 24 hours after the 21-year-old was traded to Carlton.
Hollands will front Southport Magistrates Court on October 31 charged with possessing a dangerous drug, believed to be cocaine.
“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,” The Suns said in a statement.
“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.”
Carlton has confirmed it was aware of the drug charge before it decided to sign Hollands.
“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,” the club said in a statement
“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.”
The AFL Integrity Unit has been made aware of the charge and will await the outcome of court proceedings.
The news of Hollands’ drug charge comes after Melbourne player Joel Smith was suspended after testing positive to cocaine.
The positive test came after the Demon’s Round 23 clash against Hawthorn.
