St Kilda Football Club will appeal the nine week ban, with two weeks suspended, that was handed down to player Lance Collard over allegations he directed a gay slur towards another player.
Collard was previously given a six week suspension for using a gay slur during a game in 2024, but he denies calling another player a “f*****g f****t” during a recent VFL match against Frankston. Collard says the other players misheard him and he was actually saying “come here maggot”.
In a statement released today the club said they would appeal the conduct unbecoming charge saying Collard was innocent.
“As a club, we will continue to stand by Lance, who maintains his position of innocence. This process has had a considerable impact on Lance, and we are committed to ensuring he is not only supported but that his integrity is defended through the appropriate process.
“We also recognise and empathise with the impact the ongoing and public nature of this matter has had, particularly on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities.” the club said.
The AFL will now determine the timing of the appeal hearing which is expected for next week.
AFL takes a tough stance against homophobia
In recent years, the AFL has taken a tougher stance against homophobic language on the field.
Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine was given a four match ban at the end of last year that spilled over into the new season.
West Coast Eagle Jack Graham was suspended for four matches over comments he made on the pitch. While Sydney Swans player Riak Andrew was given a five week suspension for comments he made.
The 2024 season saw several players across the league handed hefty penalties as officials clamped down on inappropriate language on the field. Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was given a three-match ban, Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was suspended for four, while Lance Collard was awarded a six-match suspension as punishment for his previous outburst.
Last month former Brisbane Lions player Leigh ‘Rizza’ Ryswyk publicly shared that he is gay, making the announcement on Melbourne community radio station JOY 94.9.
The announcement made Ryswyk only the second player from the top level of the men’s game to publicly share that they are same‑sex attracted. Former West Coast Eagle Mitch Brown publicly came out as bisexual in 2025.
