St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard faces tribunal for alleged homophobic slur in VFL match
Consensus Summary
St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard is facing a disciplinary tribunal for allegedly using a homophobic slur during a VFL match against Frankston. The incident occurred in Round 2 of the VFL, according to one source, and follows a previous six-match ban in 2024 for the same offense while Collard was with Sandringham. The AFL has confirmed the case under Rule 2.3 (a) for conduct unbecoming, with Collard already serving a reduced two-week suspension for a high hit in the same match. Collard has denied the slur, but the tribunal hearing next week will determine the outcome, raising concerns about his future with St Kilda. The case comes amid broader AFL efforts to address homophobic behavior, highlighted by other recent bans like Izak Rankine’s four-match suspension.
✓ 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)
- The AFL has investigated the allegation under AFL Rule 2.3 (a) (Conduct Unbecoming)
- Collard was suspended for three weeks (reduced to two weeks) for a high hit on an opponent in the same match where the slur was allegedly used
- The tribunal hearing is scheduled for 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 2024 ban for Collard while playing for Sandringham as part of the AFL's 'crackdown' on homophobic slurs, mentioning Izak Rankine's four-match ban for a similar incident
- The article includes a specific mention of the slur being used during a 'heated exchange' in the VFL match against Frankston
- The article notes Collard was banned for six matches in 2024 while playing for Sandringham, then affiliated with St Kilda
- The article explicitly states the incident occurred in 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 brawl as breaking out 'on the field' with Collard striking another player with a 'swinging arm'
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC mentions the slur was used during a 'heated exchange' but does not specify the round, while NEWSCOMAU explicitly states it was in Round 2 of the VFL
- ABC does not mention the round number for the incident, while NEWSCOMAU specifies it was Round 2 against Frankston
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....