Lance Collard: AFL tribunal sanctions St Kilda forward with a nine-week ban for homophobic slur

After an extraordinary tribunal process, St Kilda’s Lance Collard has been handed a massive suspension for “conduct unbecoming” over the use of a homophobic slur, with his AFL future now in the balance.

Having been found guilty on Friday, the AFL Tribunal met on Tuesday to determine Collard’s sanction and, after deliberating for more than 90 minutes, handed out a nine-week sanction with two weeks suspended, effectively making it a seven-week ban.

Head of the tribunal, Jeff Gleeson KC, said the comments used by Collard were “serious” and “entirely unacceptable.”

“This is Collard’s second offence. In 2024, he used the same slur on the football field, but this time has made no admissions of guilt and receives no discount as a result,” he said.

The AFL has long argued Collard should be hit with a 10-week suspension, given it was not his first offence.

“The AFL submits that a 10-week suspension would be appropriate,” with Andrew Woods SC arguing it should be served consecutively with the two-week striking ban he picked up in the same match.

“It would … discourage similar behaviour from others. I think there needs to be an increased sanction for repeat offending.”

“There should be an increased sanction for each match, rather than a fine for what happened last time.”

St Kilda’s legal representative, Michael Borsky, said a 10-week suspension would be excessive and carry the potential to ruin Collard’s life.

“I urge the tribunal to show some mercy ... on what would be a devastating and potentially career-ending blow,” Borsky said.

“This could be the sliding doors moment that could set Collard back on the wrong path and ruin his life.”

Mr Borsky argued Collard should be hit with a fine or far lesser suspension, referencing that the AFL was seeking a fine for Zak Butters’ umpire abuse and said the club will undertake additional education.

“Players to have found to have verbally abused umpires, which involves foul and sexist language ... are fined and not suspended,” Borsky said.

“The tribunal needs to take into account how the community is going to reconcile these decisions ... when others are getting fines.”

“10 weeks have been historically reserved for what I could describe as more serious breaches under conduct unbecoming, such as players betting on matches they’re involved in.

“St Kilda has voluntarily resolved to undertake further education with Pride Cup with the entire playing group.”

St Kilda have not indicated whether they will appeal the result but said they were disappointed in the sanction imposed.

“The club is currently reviewing the Tribunal’s reasons, together with the original judgement, and will consider potential avenues of appeal. Under the AFL rules the club has five days to assess its appeal options,” they said in a statement.

“The matter has had a significant impact on Lance, and the club will continue to support him through this process.

“We also recognise the impact the public nature of this matter has had, particularly on the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities.

“As the matter remains ongoing, the club will not be making any further comments.”

In 2024, Collard was suspended for six games and ordered to undergo Pride in Sport training after admitting to using homophobic language in a VFL game.

He admitted guilt and apologised after that incident but has maintained his innocence throughout this process, signing a statutory declaration that he had instead called Frankston’s Darcy Hipwell a ‘maggot’.

The tribunal failed to reach a decision in a three-and-a-half hour hearing on Thursday before handing down their verdict via written submission on Friday afternoon.

His fresh seven-week suspension will start after his striking ban is completed, meaning he won’t play again at any level until at least June.

Collard has played 15 AFL games, after being taken by the Saints in the 2023 draft.

The Saints last week said they would continue to support Collard, who is contracted until the end of 2027, through the process and have the option to appeal.

“I haven’t had a conversation. He’s in a holding pattern,” coach Ross Lyon said of Collard after St Kilda’s 12.9 (81) to 9.13 (67) away win over Port Adelaide on Sunday night.