AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has strongly criticised the code's appeals board after it reduced a player's suspension for a homophobic slur from nine matches to two, citing that such language is 'commonplace' in football.
Controversial Reduction
St Kilda forward Lance Collard was initially handed a nine-match ban for directing a homophobic slur at an opponent during a VFL match. However, the AFL appeals board, chaired by King's Counsel Will Houghton, upheld the guilty finding but deemed the original penalty 'manifestly excessive', imposing a two-match suspension with additional weeks suspended.
In its written reasoning, the panel stated: 'We observe that football is a hard game. It is highly competitive, particularly at its higher levels. It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field.'
Backlash from AFL Leadership
Andrew Dillon responded forcefully on Friday, saying: 'In the AFL's view, stronger action was not only warranted, it was necessary. Let's be clear - homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances.'
He specifically rejected the appeals board's reasoning, adding: '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'. The AFL strongly rejects the statement not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of the sanction.'
The governing body is expected to formally rebuke the appeals board, with the remarks described internally as undermining years of work to eliminate discrimination from the sport.
Board's Justification
The appeals board argued that the original nine-match suspension would have had a 'crippling' effect on Collard's career, citing evidence that such a penalty 'would finish him off as a player of professional football'. Mitigating factors included Collard's age, background, and the fact the targeted player was not personally offended. The board also referenced Collard's previous six-match ban in 2024 for a similar offence, noting that incident was 'probably far more serious' than the current one.
Widespread Criticism
The ruling drew fierce criticism from within the game. Former AFLW player and commentator Kate McCarthy said: 'I am genuinely speechless that this is in print … absolutely baffled. So much for every policy in the AFL saying there's zero tolerance. This decision and this explanation go against everything the AFL has claimed to stand for. This is disgusting.'
Ex-St Kilda midfielder Luke Ball questioned the reasoning: 'To say that these things happen on a footy field from time to time … I thought we'd well and truly moved past that. I can't get my head around the language the appeals board have used.'
Impact on Collard
Collard's reduced suspension will be served alongside a separate two-match ban for striking during the same VFL fixture, meaning he will miss a total of four weeks before being eligible to return. The incident stemmed from a confrontation with Frankston player Darby Hipwell, with the tribunal siding with witness accounts that the slur was used. Collard had denied the allegation, claiming he instead said 'Come here, maggot'.
This is the second time in three seasons Collard has been sanctioned for homophobic language, having served a six-game ban in 2024.
Growing Scrutiny
The controversy adds to growing scrutiny around the AFL's tribunal system, following a separate appeals process involving Zak Butters that was overturned due to an 'error of law'. St Kilda, while welcoming the reduced sanction, also raised concerns: 'Despite the reduction in sanction, St Kilda remains disappointed with how the matter was assessed and believes greater consistency and clarity in the AFL's tribunal process is important moving forward.'
