The AFL’s Integrity Unit has confirmed that they have launched an investigation into claims that a St Kilda player used a gay slur against another player.
Multiple media outlets have reported that insiders have identified the player as Lance Collard, but the club and the AFL have not formally named the player.
The AFL has vowed to stamp out homophobia on the field, behind-the scenes, and in the stands, but it facing a tough time in getting players to comply despite nearly a decade in awareness programs across all levels of the sport.
The incident allegedly occurred during a Friday night Victorian Football League (VFL) game between St Kilda and Frankston.
Collard was previously found to have used a gay slur during an AFL game in 2024 and was given a six‑match ban. He also undertook diversity training with Pride in Sport at his own expense.
The player’s manager, Colin Young, told The Age newspaper that his client had been misheard and has told friends that he was calling another player a “maggot.”
St Kilda Football Club released a statement saying they were aware of the incident and the investigation.
“St Kilda Football Club is aware of an alleged incident involving one of its players during last night’s VFL match against Frankston.
“The club takes matters of this nature extremely seriously and is working closely with the AFL Integrity Unit as it conducts its investigation into the matter.
“While this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further,” the club said.
The investigation is expected to take several days. In recent years, the AFL has taken a tougher stance against homophobic language on the field.
Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine has only just been allowed to return to play after comments he made towards the end of last season. He was given a four match ban that spilled over into the new year.
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 during a VFL game.
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.
Earlier this week 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.
