St Kilda Football Club has broken its silence following the landmark guilty verdict against young forward Lance Collard, pledging to stand by the player as the contentious case threatens to escalate further. The AFL community has been shaken by this unprecedented situation, which saw Collard become the first player to contest a conduct unbecoming charge at tribunal level after allegations he used a homophobic slur during a VFL match against Frankston on March 27.
Marathon Tribunal Hearing Ends in Guilty Verdict
After an exhaustive two-day hearing, the AFL disciplinary tribunal concluded there was sufficient evidence to uphold the charge, despite Collard's steadfast denial of any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. The tribunal's decision marks a critical juncture in a case that has captivated the sporting world and raised significant questions about accountability and language in Australian rules football.
St Kilda's Official Response and Potential Appeal
In a carefully worded statement released shortly after the verdict, St Kilda expressed clear disappointment while hinting at possible further action. 'St Kilda Football Club is naturally disappointed with the decision handed down by the AFL disciplinary tribunal this afternoon,' the club declared. '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 emphasized its ongoing review of the tribunal's written findings and confirmed it would 'consider its position, including avenues of appeal.' Crucially, St Kilda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Collard throughout whatever comes next, stating: 'We will continue to support Lance Collard throughout this process.' The club has since declined additional comment, citing the ongoing nature of the matter.
The Controversial Incident and Conflicting Accounts
The case centres on a heated third-quarter melee during the VFL clash, where Collard first collected a Frankston opponent with a swinging arm—an action that earned him a separate two-match suspension—before allegedly directing the homophobic slur amid the ensuing chaos. While the physical incident resulted in its own punishment, it is the language allegation that has triggered the far more serious conduct unbecoming charge.
Collard has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the slur allegation, instead claiming he used the word 'maggot' during the confrontation. To bolster his defence, the 20-year-old even signed a statutory declaration supporting his version of events. However, the AFL successfully argued that testimony from two Frankston players—who stated they clearly heard the homophobic term—should leave the tribunal 'comfortably convinced' it was uttered.
AFL's Firm Stance and Potential Consequences
The league has adopted an uncompromising position, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy toward discriminatory language. '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,' officials stated emphatically. This hardline approach could result in severe consequences for Collard, with the AFL reportedly pushing for a 10-match suspension that would sideline the rising star for a substantial portion of the season.
Adding considerable weight to the case is Collard's disciplinary history, having already served a six-match ban earlier in 2024 for using a similar slur—though he admitted guilt in that previous instance. This time, the young forward has refused to concede any wrongdoing, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched and consequential disciplinary battles in recent AFL memory.
The tribunal is scheduled to reconvene at a later date to determine Collard's punishment, while St Kilda evaluates its options in a saga that continues to unfold with dramatic implications for both the player and the club.
