The AFL has been rocked by a second drug scandal in a day with new Carlton player Elijah Hollands set to appear in court relating to possession of an illicit substance.

Hollands joined the Blues from Gold Coast on deadline day, but the club was already aware of his impending court date.

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Carlton said the 21-year-old will still commence training with the club in November.

“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,” Carlton 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.

“As the matter is currently before the courts, the club will make no further comment at this time.”

Carlton was keen to bring Hollands to the club, where his younger brother, Ollie, also plays.

Since being drafted with pick No.7 in 2020, Elijah Hollands has battled injury and form issues, only managing 14 AFL games, despite his untapped potential.

He did feature in Gold Coast’s recent VFL premiership victory.

The Suns also released a statement, saying it was a “small quantity of an illicit substance”.

“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,” Gold Coast said.

“The AFL Integrity Unit have been made aware and are in the process of conducting their own investigation.”

The bombshell development comes on the same day Melbourne star Joel Smith was provisionally suspended for testing positive to cocaine.