AFL Disciplinary Process for Lance Collard: A Timeline of Events

Initial Incident and Tribunal Ruling

Lance Collard, a 21-year-old Noongar and Yamatji man playing for St Kilda, was found to have used homophobic language during a VFL match between St Kilda's affiliate and the Frankston Dolphins on March 27. The incident occurred during a third-quarter melee following Collard's separate high hit on an opponent.

Frankston player Darby Hipwell alleged that Collard said "Darby, you fing f****"** directly into his ear. Hipwell's teammate, Bailey Lambert, supported this account. VFL umpire Sam Morgan, who was nearby during the incident, stated he did not hear the alleged comment.

Collard denied using the slur, stating he said "Come here, maggot." He signed a statutory declaration asserting his innocence and noted that he had admitted guilt in a prior incident. Collard and Hipwell had previously played together at VFL club Sandringham.

The AFL disciplinary tribunal, chaired by Jeff Gleeson KC and including former player Scott Stevens and barrister Melia Benn, heard evidence over approximately four hours. The tribunal upheld a charge of conduct unbecoming under AFL Rule 2.3(a), rejecting Collard's defense. The hearing was described as the first AFL disciplinary tribunal case for conduct unbecoming.

The AFL had sought a 10-week suspension.

Initial Sanction: Seven Weeks Active, Two Weeks Suspended

The AFL tribunal imposed a seven-week suspension, with an additional two-week ban suspended until the end of the 2027 season. Collard was also separately serving a two-match ban for a high hit on an opponent in the same VFL match. The homophobic language suspension was set to begin after the striking ban was completed, meaning Collard would be ineligible to play at any level until June.

Club Appeal and Appeals Board Ruling

St Kilda Football Club appealed the initial nine-match suspension. The club stated it was "disappointed with the sanction," acknowledged the impact on the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities, and said it would "consider avenues of appeal." St Kilda coach Ross Lyon described the tribunal process as a "firestorm," expressing concern about stress on players involved.

The AFL Appeals Board, chaired by Will Houghton KC and including Georgina Coghlan KC and former player Stephen Jurica, heard the appeal. St Kilda argued the charge should have been dismissed due to procedural issues, that the tribunal relied on "ambiguous evidence," and the penalty was manifestly excessive. The AFL argued the tribunal's decisions were reasonable.

The Appeals Board ruled the original sanction was "manifestly excessive" and "crippling," with potential to end Collard's professional career. The board reduced the penalty to four weeks (two weeks suspended). Factors cited in the reduction included Collard's age, Indigenous background, difficult upbringing, and that the recipient was not personally offended.

The appeals board's written reasoning stated: "It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field."

League Response to Appeals Board Ruling

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon publicly rejected the appeals board's reasoning, stating: "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 that homophobia has no place in Australian football.

The AFL subsequently terminated Will Houghton KC from his role as chair of the appeals board, effective immediately. The AFL thanked Houghton for his service at club level and noted his appointment to the appeals board in March 2024.

Reactions from Organizations and Individuals

St Kilda Football Club stated it was "naturally disappointed" with the initial guilty verdict. The club said it would consider avenues of appeal and continue to support Collard, who is contracted until the end of 2027. Following the appeals board ruling, the club called for "greater consistency and clarity" in the AFL tribunal process.

AFL Players Association (AFLPA) CEO James Gallagher expressed disappointment that Collard's evidence was not believed by the tribunal. Gallagher called for a "more effective and united approach" that considers players' diverse backgrounds. Gallagher stated the process "caused more harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, the First Nations community, and the individuals at the centre of this issue."

Former West Coast player Mitch Brown, who is openly bisexual, stated that when homophobic language receives media attention, its use increases in the wider football community. Brown described receiving abuse online related to the Collard decision and said such incidents reflect a broader culture.

Pride Cup CEO Hayley Conway, who provided evidence during the tribunal hearing, stated that addressing LGBTQIA+ discrimination requires investment in prevention measures, not just high-profile sanctions. Conway noted that consequences should not focus solely on the individual.

Former AFLW player Kate McCarthy stated the appeals board's reasoning was "disgusting" and went against the AFL's stated policies.

Context and Statistics

This was the eighth instance in three years that AFL-listed players or coaches were found by the league to have used homophobic language in games.

Previous Sanctions for Similar Conduct:

Collard had previously completed Pride in Sport training, a requirement from the AFL after a 2024 incident where he received a six-match suspension for using the same homophobic slur.

Other Related Developments

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

The Eddie Betts Foundation has recognized a need for education for young people from remote and rural areas and has provided related programs.

Izak Rankine has worked with Adelaide's pride group, the Rainbow Crows, since his sanction.

The Sydney Swans moved their annual Pride Game from a match against St Kilda to a clash with the Western Bulldogs, stating the decision was made following consultation with LGBTIQA+ community members. St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena stated the club understood and supported the decision.