St Kilda's Lance Collard Handed Seven-Week Ban for Homophobic Slur
The AFL tribunal has imposed a significant seven-week suspension on St Kilda forward Lance Collard for directing a homophobic slur towards an opponent during a VFL match last month. This penalty includes an additional two-week ban suspended until the conclusion of the 2027 season, announced at a sanctions hearing on Tuesday afternoon.
Contested Allegations and Tribunal Proceedings
Collard, who previously admitted to using the same offensive term in 2024 resulting in a six-match ban, vehemently denied the recent allegations. He claimed he said, "Come here, maggot" to Frankston player Darby Hipwell. However, Hipwell testified that Collard had his head close to his ear and uttered the words, "Darby, you 'fucking faggot'." This account was corroborated by Hipwell's Frankston teammate, Bailey Lambert, during the tribunal proceedings.
The AFL had advocated for a 10-week suspension, while St Kilda argued for a financial penalty or a maximum four-week ban with two weeks suspended. The club has indicated the possibility of appealing the decision, though they have stated they will continue to support Collard, who is under contract until the end of 2027.
Background and Additional Suspensions
Collard, a 21-year-old drafted by St Kilda in 2023, has played 15 AFL games. He is also serving a two-match ban for a high hit on an opponent in the same VFL match last month. The new seven-week suspension will commence after this striking ban concludes, meaning Collard will be ineligible to play at any level until June.
This incident highlights ongoing issues with discriminatory language in sports, as the AFL tribunal upheld a charge of "conduct unbecoming" against Collard last Friday. The player and Hipwell have a history, having previously played together at VFL club Sandringham when it was affiliated with St Kilda.
