Dermott Brereton's powerful observation amid sad Elijah Hollands saga

Dermott Brereton has taken a moment to reflect on the major shift in attitude towards mental health that's occurred in Australian rules football, while applauding the "beautiful statement" Ollie Hollands wrote about his older brother Elijah.

Elijah was admitted to a Melbourne hospital on Monday, in the wake of the mental health episode he had during Carlton's clash with Collingwood at the MCG last Thursday.

"Different world," Brereton, a five-time Hawthorn premiership winner, said on Nine's Footy Classified on Tuesday night.

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"And I think Elijah Hollands is kind of fortunate that he's playing in this era.

"Had someone like Elijah Hollands come through 15 years ago, 20 years ago, we'd have looked at that, and let's say on the mental health aspect, you'd say he can't cut it, he can't take the heat.

"We must have lost so many talented players because the psyche of Australian rules football then was you take what is thrown at you, and if you can't take that heat, you get out of the kitchen.

"So he'll get care now, which he mightn't have in another era.

"You can't say he's lucky now because he's not lucky because he's having to live this, but he's going to get cared for at least."

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Elijah's younger brother Ollie is on the Carlton list, too, and he also played against Collingwood last Thursday.

He posted a heartfelt message on Instagram about Elijah on Tuesday.

"There are no words to describe how grateful we are for all the love and support Elijah and our family have received," Ollie wrote.

"We want to say a huge thank you to the Carlton Football Club, Blues supporters and the greater AFL community for all of your support and love.

"It's incredibly challenging watching your own brother go through something like this but the amount of support that we have received has been overwhelming and as a family we will be forever grateful.

"Love you Roger."

Ollie's post, which was accompanied by a photo of the brothers as kids, followed an emotional statement written by their father, Ben.

"This is my beautiful boy," Ben wrote on Instagram.

"For anyone in the midst of healing…

"You are loved. You have a unique and defined purpose. You are seen whole.

"I know who my son is — and I will lift him up until he is restored in full.

"For those supporting someone who is struggling: encourage them, affirm them, and love them.

"Go to them, remind them of who they truly are."

Ben posted his words alongside a photo of Elijah holding a Sherrin in a Carlton guernsey.

"I think they're two terrific statements from family members supporting their son and supporting their brother and supporting Carlton, as well, which I think is the poignant thing," James Hird said on Footy Classified.

"That's a beautiful statement," Brereton said of Ollie's post.