St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard faces tribunal for alleged homophobic slur during VFL match
Consensus Summary
St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard is facing a disciplinary tribunal after allegedly using a homophobic slur during a VFL match against Frankston. The incident occurred in Round 2 of the VFL, following a heated exchange that also led to a brawl on the field. Collard was previously banned for six matches in 2024 for the same offense while playing for Sandringham, an affiliate of St Kilda. He has since received a two-week suspension for a high hit in the same match, reduced from three weeks after pleading guilty. The AFL has confirmed the tribunal hearing will address a breach of AFL Rule 2.3 (a) (Conduct Unbecoming), and Collard has denied using the slur. The case follows a broader AFL crackdown on homophobic behavior, including recent bans for other players like Adelaide Crows’ Izak Rankine. Collard’s future with St Kilda remains uncertain as the tribunal considers the allegations.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Lance Collard (21) is facing a disciplinary tribunal for allegedly using a homophobic slur during a VFL match against Frankston on [date not specified, but referenced as 'last week']
- Collard was previously banned for six matches in 2024 for using a homophobic slur while playing for VFL side Sandringham (affiliated with St Kilda)
- Collard received a three-week ban (reduced to two weeks) for a high hit on an opponent in the same match where the slur was allegedly used
- The AFL has investigated the allegation under AFL Rule 2.3 (a) (Conduct Unbecoming)
- The tribunal hearing will be held next week
- Collard has denied using the homophobic slur according to AFL investigators
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Collard's future at St Kilda is described as 'on thin ice' due to the tribunal hearing
- The article references a broader AFL crackdown on homophobic slurs, including Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine's four-match ban for an incident against Collingwood
- The article notes the slur was part of a 'heated exchange' during the match
- The article mentions Collard was playing for Sandringham (VFL) when he received the 2024 ban, emphasizing the affiliation with St Kilda
- The article explicitly states the incident occurred during Round 2 of the VFL against Frankston
- The article includes a direct quote from an AFL spokesman confirming the tribunal referral: 'The AFL has referred a charge of an alleged breach of AFL Rule 2.3 (a) (Conduct Unbecoming) against St Kilda player Lance Collard'
- The article describes the slur as being 'hurled towards another player' during a 'heated exchange'
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC does not specify the round of the VFL match, while NEWSCOMAU explicitly states it was Round 2
- ABC does not mention the slur being 'hurled towards another player' as described in NEWSCOMAU
- ABC does not include the direct AFL spokesman quote about Rule 2.3 (a) referenced in NEWSCOMAU
Source Articles
Saints forward to face tribunal for alleged homophobic slur
St Kilda forward Lance Collard will front a disciplinary tribunal hearing next week after he allegedly used a homophobic slur during a VFL match....
Saints player faces tribunal for alleged slur
The incident comes less than two years after the VFL player was hit with a six-match ban over an allegation of a similar incident on the field....