St Kilda's Lance Collard Suspended for Homophobic Slur

A nine-week ban reduced to four weeks on appeal has sparked widespread debate over the AFL's handling of homophobic language.

Incident and Initial Investigation

During a VFL match between St Kilda and Frankston on March 27, an allegation was made that Lance Collard used a homophobic slur directed at Frankston player Darby Hipwell. The alleged comment was reported to have occurred during an on-field melee that followed a separate incident where Collard struck an opponent, resulting in a two-match suspension.

The AFL conducted an investigation into the allegation. Collard informed investigators that he denied using a homophobic slur, stating he instead said "come here, maggot."

Tribunal Hearing

Guilty Finding

An AFL disciplinary tribunal found Collard guilty of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) for conduct unbecoming. The tribunal upheld the charge after a hearing that spanned two days and involved testimony from multiple witnesses, including Collard himself.

Key Evidence

• Darby Hipwell testified that Collard said "Darby, you fing f****" directly into his ear** during the altercation.
• Bailey Lambert, a Frankston teammate, supported Hipwell's account of the incident.
• Umpire Sam Morgan, who was nearby, stated he did not hear the alleged comment.
• Collard denied the allegation under statutory declaration, maintaining he said "come here, maggot."
• Collard stated he had admitted guilt in a similar incident in 2024 but was truthful in denying the current allegation.

Previous Incidents

Collard previously served a six-match suspension in 2024 after pleading guilty to using the same homophobic slur multiple times during a VFL match. Following that incident, he was required to complete a Pride in Sport education program and issued a statement expressing remorse.

Initial Sanction and Appeal

Original Penalty

The AFL tribunal imposed a nine-week suspension on Collard, with two weeks suspended until the end of the 2027 season. The suspension was to be served cumulatively with a separate two-match ban for striking in the same match. The AFL had argued for a 10-week suspension.

St Kilda's Appeal

St Kilda Football Club appealed the decision, arguing the penalty was manifestly excessive. The club submitted that Collard should receive only a financial penalty or a maximum four-week ban with two weeks suspended. The club cited other cases where players received fines or shorter suspensions for similar conduct.

Appeals Board Decision

The AFL Appeals Board reduced Collard's suspension to four weeks, with two weeks suspended until the end of the 2027 season. The board, chaired by Will Houghton KC, ruled the original penalty was "crippling" and could end Collard's professional career.

Factors cited by the appeals board in reducing the penalty included:

• Collard's age (21)
• His Indigenous background and difficult upbringing
• The recipient stating he was not personally offended
• The context of the incident

The appeals board stated in its judgment that "it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field" due to the game's competitive nature.

Reactions and Statements

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon publicly rejected the appeals board's reasoning that such language is commonplace.

"The AFL specifically rejects the appeals board's reasoning which stated, 'it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field'," Dillon stated.

He emphasized that homophobia has no place in Australian football and that the original nine-week penalty reflected the seriousness of the offense.

St Kilda Football Club

The club stated it was "naturally disappointed" with the initial verdict but welcomed the reduced sanction. St Kilda called for greater consistency and clarity in the AFL's tribunal process. The club confirmed it would continue to support Collard through the process.

St Kilda Coach Ross Lyon

Coach Ross Lyon described the tribunal process as a "firestorm" and expressed concern about the stress placed on players involved in such proceedings. He stated Collard was "in a holding pattern" awaiting resolution of the case.

AFL Players Association

AFLPA CEO James Gallagher criticized the process, stating it harmed the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities. He called for a "more effective and united approach" that considers players' diverse backgrounds and expressed disappointment that Collard's evidence of innocence was not believed.

Other Responses

• Former AFLW player Kate McCarthy expressed disappointment with the appeals board's decision, describing it as contrary to the AFL's stated policies.
• Retired West Coast player Mitch Brown, who is openly bisexual, stated on social media that public discussion of homophobic language often leads to increased abuse toward the queer community in the wider football community.
• Greens senator Nick McKim described the decision to reduce the penalty as "appalling."
• Pride Cup CEO Hayley Conway provided evidence during the tribunal hearing, stating that addressing LGBTQIA+ discrimination requires investment in prevention measures, not just sanctions.

Broader Context

The case was the eighth instance in three years where AFL-listed players or coaches had been found to have used homophobic language in games. Previous sanctions included suspensions for Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine (four matches), Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson, and Gold Coast's Wil Powell.

Two Frankston VFL players who gave evidence against Collard were cross-examined for over an hour and subsequently received abusive social media comments after being publicly named. There were concerns raised that the hearing process might deter other players from reporting homophobic language they overhear.

The Eddie Betts Foundation recognized a need for education for young people from remote and rural areas and has provided intervention programs. Collard is a Noongar and Yamatji man.

Outcome

Collard served a total of four weeks suspension, including the separate two-week ban for striking. The AFL stated it considered the matter closed but would review its disciplinary processes, including the tribunals.