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SportAFLAFL 2026

‘He’s in a good space’: Michael Voss opens up on why Ollie Hollands didn’t play against Fremantle

Roy Ward, Jon Pierik, Russell Bennett, Andrew Wu, Danny Russell and Steve Barrett
Updated ,first published
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Carlton end a horror week with a gritty loss to the Dockers

By Russell Bennett

Blues coach Michael Voss admitted the decision to not include Ollie Hollands for the side’s clash with the Dockers on Saturday was down to how the week leading in had “played out”.

Hollands is the younger brother of Elijah, who experienced a mental health episode last round against Collingwood and was subsequently admitted to hospital. Carlton have since handed their report into how the incident was handled into the AFL, which is expected to respond in the coming days.

Michael Voss’ men were brave against the Dockers at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.AFL Photos

“It’s been a big week for everyone, and a big week for the family,” Voss said.

“He [Ollie] wanted to play – he’s an absolute competitor – but we just sort of felt like with how the week’s played out, it would be better to maybe sit this one out.

Voss says centre bounce hurt Blues

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Blues coach Michael Voss believes his side went toe-to-toe with Fremantle in many areas tonight but they paid dearly for being beaten too often at the centre bounces.

Mason Cox of the Dockers and Liam Reidy of the Blues contest in the ruck.Getty Images

“We’ve been chasing the transition part of the game for a number of weeks and I feel like we’ve moved the needle on that this last couple of weeks and I feel like today that we toe-to-toe with a very good football side. We rate them highly,” Voss said.

“Amazingly, the difference in the game was probably at the centre bounce, what did they kick? Five goals or something from centre bounce? That was probably the difference in the game.”

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Bolton wins the Arthur Leggett Medal

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Shai Bolton has won the best on ground honour, the Arthur Leggett Medal.

From the Dockers: The Arthur Leggett Medal pays tribute to the life and service of WWII veteran Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106. Arthur was Western Australia’s last surviving WWII prisoner of war and played a significant role in past Len Hall Tribute Games. Arthur will be honoured at a State Funeral on May 10 2025.

Shai Bolton of the Dockers kicks the ball.AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s Bolton or Jackson for the medal

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Shai Bolton had 15 possessions and kicked two goals in the last term, while Luke Jackson was very strong right across the match.

One of them will win the medal for best on ground, but I wouldn’t want to be the deciding vote as they were both excellent.

Shai Bolton of the Dockers celebrates a goal.AFL Photos

“It’s unreal. We are still young, we have so much growth to go, and we are spoilt for choice in the midfield,” Jackson told Fox Footy.

“We are excited about where we are at, but we are not content.”

FT: Fremantle 16.7 (103) d Carlton 13.11 (89)

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The Blues finished in a flurry but they left themselves too much to do as Fremantle claimed another win at Optus Stadium.

Freo looked set to win by 40 points plus but the Blues kicked five of the last six goals.

“The Blues will rue the start to that last term,” said former Eagle Will Schofield on Fox Footy.

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Walsh goals again

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The Blues have kicked four of the last five goals in this match and the Dockers look a little concerned but time should make sure the Dockers take home the points but they need to lift.

Freo 103, Blues 82 with three mins to play.

Patrick Cripps of the Blues in action.Getty Images

Cox goals, Blues fire up

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Mason Cox and Ben Ainsworth traded barbs both before Cox’s shot for goal, and after he converted.

The big American didn’t like whatever Ainsworth said and he went at him after kicking the goal, with several Blues then remonstrating with him.

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From the centre bounce, the Blues won the ball and Brodie Kemp marked and kicked another one.

That was Kemp’s fourth goal.

Freo 103, Blues 76 with three minutes to go.

Blues kick two quick ones

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It’s too little, too late for the Blues but Matthew Carroll and Ashton Moir have both kicked goals to cut into this margin.

The Blues have too much to do but they are trying to finish on a high.

Freo 97, Blues 70 with five mins to go.

Matthew Carroll of the Blues handballs.Getty Images
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Dockers, Blues draw 54,100 fans

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Tonight’s crowd of 54,100 is the second-biggest Fremantle home crowd for a non-Derby clash.

Fremantle fans have turned out in force to watch their in-form team, while the Blues have a loyal following in WA too.

Fremantle’s pre-game huddle.AFL Photos
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