An AFL tribunal has found St Kilda player Lance Collard guilty of using a gay slur during a recent VFL game against Frankston.
Collard was previously suspended for six weeks in 2024 when he directed a gay slur at another player, one that occasion the player admitted uttering the insult, but this time round he was adamant that he’d been misheard.
While two players from the opposing team testified that Collard had called one of them a “f*****g f****t, Collard insisted he had been misheard and actually said “Come here, maggot”. The AFL integrity tribunal found him guilty of the offense.
What punishment the player will face will be decided at a future sanction hearing. No date for the hearing has been set at this stage. The AFL has suggested that a 10-week suspension would be suitable.
“The AFL acknowledges the decision of the independent disciplinary tribunal today to uphold the charge against Lance Collard of the St Kilda Football Club following a finding that he breached AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) by the use of a homophobic slur directed towards an opponent in a VFL match on March 27,” the league said in a statement.
“A sanction hearing will now be convened to determine the sanction at a date and time to be determined.
“The AFL has no tolerance for the use of homophobic language in our game and its expectations have been made extremely clear to all of our players, including by education that all AFL and VFL players receive.”
The St Kilda Football Club said they were disappointed with the decision.
“St Kilda Football Club is naturally disappointed with the decision handed down by the AFL disciplinary tribunal this afternoon.
“The process is ongoing, with further submissions from both parties to be made on any penalty. A date for this next step is yet to be confirmed.” the club said in a statement.
“The club is also reviewing the tribunal’s written findings and will consider its position, including avenues of appeal. We will continue to support Lance Collard throughout this process.
“As the matter remains ongoing, the club will make no further comment at this time.” the said.
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.
