Round 6 of the 2026 AFL season saw many highlights and lowlights headlined by a saga involving Carlton Blues’ Ellijah Hollands which put him and the AFL under the spotlight.
Carlton star Elijah Hollands under the spotlight
Carlton Blues star Ellijah Hollands has come under the spolight following the club’s Thursday night match against the Collingwood Magpies after he only touched the ball once despite spending more than 65 per cent of time on the field.
He also displayed unusual behaviour on the field with many fans believing he was under the influence of either alcohol or substances, but this was not the case.
“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 in a statement.
“The 23-year-old is continuing to receive the appropriate level of medical and well-being support, with Hollands’ welfare remaining the number one priority.
“The club also remains in contact with the AFL and the AFLPA, given the complicated nature of what occurred on Thursday night.
“While the Club acknowledges the public interest, it asks that Hollands’ privacy be respected, with the primary focus on ensuring he receives the level of care he needs, before a further update can be provided at an appropriate time.”
Elijah Hollands is unfortunately one of the biggest stories of the night. Carlton will need to lean into the welfare component, but also offer some sort of explanation to its fans.
60% game time & 0 disposals. @1116sen @7AFL pic.twitter.com/3LAYvTwtPg
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) April 16, 2026
Swans land emphatic win in Sydney Derby
The Sydney Swans have once again secured bragging rights over interstate rivals GWS Giants with a 41-point victory in treacherous and wet conditions that saw the match delayed due to lightning strikes.
In the 32nd meeting between the two sides based in New South Wales, the Swans made it six consecutive Derby victories and hold a formidable 5-1 record to begin the 2026 AFL season, sitting in first place on the ladder.
Nick Blakey starred for the Swans and was named man-of-the-match in a stellar showing, recording 34 disposals (22 kicks and 12 handballs), one goal, four marks and three tackles.
“It was a close encounter. Their contest and pressure ramped up, certainly, post-half-time,” Swans coach Dean Cox said.
“So that third quarter, they missed some shots at goal and were probably on top of us through that period of time,” he said.
“So, it was good to respond… we know these Derbies always ebb and flow. You’ve got to stay focused and stay on task as long as you possibly can, and our boys did that.”
Hawks leaders in doubt following
The Hawthorn Hawks are bracing to be without two key leaders for next week, with Dylan Moore and James Sicily both catching the attention of the Match Review Officer (MRO) for separate incidents for gut punches off the ball.
This comes as they won by three points against the Port Adelaide Power in an entertaining and thrilling clash at Marvel Stadium, with Nick Watson pushing his case to land his maiden All-Australian blazer with the most dominant game of his career to date.
Dylan Moore gave away a free kick for this incident involving Logan Evans.#AFLHawksPower pic.twitter.com/ulDAzvmhpK
— AFL (@AFL) April 18, 2026