Brisbane Lions draftee Koby Evans is under AFL investigation for allegedly directing a homophobic slur towards an opponent during a VFL match on Saturday.
7NEWS understands that Evans, 18, is alleged to have made the comment to a Coburg player, which was subsequently reported to officials.
Evans apologised for his actions on the field and again after the match.
Both clubs held discussions following the game on Saturday night, and the matter has now been referred to the AFL.
"We have been made aware of a matter arising from the VFL Round 6 match between Coburg and the Brisbane Lions, which has been referred to the AFL integrity unit," the AFL told 7NEWS in a statement.
Brisbane confirmed they are in dialogue with both the AFL and Coburg regarding the incident.
"The club is aware of the incident and has been working with Coburg and the AFL on it," the Lions said in a statement to 7NEWS.
"The club has confirmed the player has apologised multiple times — on field and again post match.
"The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility.
"The club is disappointed the incident has occurred, while supporting and educating the player."
Evans was selected with pick 38 in last year's AFL Draft and has played five VFL matches for the Lions.
This latest investigation comes just two weeks after the conclusion of St Kilda forward Lance Collard's own homophobic slur saga.
Collard was initially given a nine-match sanction (with two games suspended) by an AFL disciplinary tribunal.
After appealing, the Saints had Collard's ban reduced to a four-match sanction (two games suspended) by the AFL Appeals Board.
It was Collard's second homophobic slur ban in three seasons, having received a six-match ban in 2024.
Since the start of 2024, several players have received bans for homophobic slurs, including Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson (three matches), Gold Coast's Wil Powell (five matches), West Coast's Jack Graham (four matches), Sydney's Riak Andrews (five matches), and Adelaide's Izak Rankine (four matches).
