St Kilda's Lance Collard Handed Nine-Match Ban for Homophobic Slur
St Kilda player Lance Collard has been suspended for nine matches, with two of those suspended, after the AFL tribunal found him guilty of using a homophobic slur. The tribunal upheld a charge of conduct unbecoming against Collard, who had denied allegations that he called his Frankston opponent a homophobic term during a VFL match last month.
Lengthy Sanction and Tribunal Deliberation
A hearing on Tuesday determined the significant penalty, marking the second time the 21-year-old has been banned for using a homophobic slur. The AFL had argued for a 10-match ban, while St Kilda contended that such a punishment could be career-ending and suggested a fine would be more appropriate. After deliberating for over an hour, the tribunal settled on the nine-match ban, effectively reducing it to seven matches due to the suspended portion.
This ban is in addition to a separate two-match suspension Collard is already serving for a striking incident from the same game. The club is now assessing its options and had previously indicated it might appeal the decision.
Contested Allegations and Previous Incidents
Collard, who was banned for six matches in 2024 for using the same homophobic word, insisted he did not utter the slur this time and even signed a statutory declaration to support his claim. He maintained that he said, Come here, maggot, to Frankston player Darby Hipwell.
However, Hipwell was adamant that Collard used the homophobic term, stating, He had his head up against my ear and he said the words to me, 'Darby, you f****** f****t'. This allegation was corroborated by Hipwell's teammate Bailey Lambert. Notably, Hipwell and Collard previously played together at VFL club Sandringham when it was affiliated with St Kilda.
Background and Club Support
Collard has played 15 AFL games since being drafted by St Kilda in 2023. Despite the controversy, the Saints have stated they will continue to support Collard, who is contracted until the end of 2027, through the ongoing process. The marathon tribunal hearing took place last Thursday, with the panel releasing its decision on Friday evening after not reaching a conclusion by the 5pm deadline.
