St Kilda forward Lance Collard has been handed a significant seven-week suspension by the AFL tribunal for directing a homophobic slur towards an opponent during a recent VFL match. The penalty, which includes an additional two-week ban suspended until the conclusion of the 2027 season, was officially announced at a sanctions hearing on Tuesday afternoon.
Lengthy Suspension Imposed Despite Club's Appeal
The AFL had initially argued for a ten-week ban, while St Kilda advocated for a financial penalty or a maximum four-week suspension with two of those weeks suspended. The club has previously indicated the possibility of appealing the tribunal's decision, which follows a charge of "conduct unbecoming" upheld against Collard last Friday.
Contested Allegations and Player Testimony
Collard, who denied the allegations, insisted he said "Come here, maggot" to Frankston player Darby Hipwell during the match last month. However, Hipwell provided compelling evidence to the tribunal, stating, "He had his head up against my ear and he said the words to me, 'Darby, you fucking faggot.'"
Hipwell's testimony was corroborated by his Frankston teammate Bailey Lambert, who also gave evidence at the hearing. This is not Collard's first offense involving homophobic language; he previously received a six-match ban in 2024 after pleading guilty to using the same slur.
Previous History and Additional Suspension
The 21-year-old Collard, selected by St Kilda in the 2023 draft, has played 15 AFL games to date. He is currently serving a separate two-match ban for a high hit on an opponent during the same VFL match last month. His new seven-week suspension will commence after the completion of his striking ban, meaning he will be ineligible to play at any level until June.
Club Support and Future Implications
St Kilda has stated they will continue to support Collard, who remains under contract with the club until the end of 2027. The case highlights the AFL's ongoing efforts to address discriminatory language in the sport, with the tribunal emphasizing the seriousness of such conduct through this substantial penalty.
Collard and Hipwell previously played together at VFL club Sandringham when it served as St Kilda's state-league affiliate, adding a layer of familiarity to the contentious incident. The tribunal's decision underscores the league's commitment to maintaining respectful conduct among players, regardless of competitive circumstances.
