St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard faces tribunal for alleged homophobic slur during VFL match
Consensus Summary
St Kilda’s Lance Collard is facing a disciplinary tribunal after allegedly using a homophobic slur during a VFL match against Frankston last week. The 21-year-old forward was initially suspended for three weeks for a brawl involving a high hit on an opponent, with the suspension later reduced to two weeks following a guilty plea. This incident mirrors a six-game ban Collard received in 2024 for a similar offense while playing for Sandringham, highlighting a pattern of alleged discriminatory conduct. Both sources confirm the AFL’s investigation and upcoming tribunal hearing, though ABC notes Collard has denied using the slur to investigators. The case underscores the AFL’s ongoing efforts to address homophobic behavior in the sport, particularly after recent crackdowns on such incidents. The tribunal’s outcome could have significant implications for Collard’s future with St Kilda, as his reputation and career hang in the balance.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Lance Collard (21) is a St Kilda forward facing a disciplinary tribunal for an alleged homophobic slur during a VFL match against Frankston (Round 2, last week)
- Collard was initially suspended for three weeks for a brawl involving a high hit on an opponent in the same match, later reduced to two weeks after pleading guilty
- This incident follows a six-game ban Collard received in 2024 for using a homophobic slur while playing for VFL side Sandringham (affiliated with St Kilda)
- The AFL has referred a charge under AFL Rule 2.3 (a) (Conduct Unbecoming) to a disciplinary tribunal hearing scheduled for next week
- Collard allegedly used the slur during a heated exchange with another player in the VFL match against Frankston
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- AFL spokesman confirmed the tribunal hearing will be held at a date and time to be determined
- The three-week suspension was dropped to two weeks after Collard pleaded guilty to the brawl charge
- Collard has reportedly told AFL investigators he did not use a homophobic slur
- The alleged slur is described as the most serious charge compared to the brawl incident
- The 2024 ban came while Collard was playing for VFL side Sandringham, part of the AFL’s crackdown on homophobic slurs following multiple cases
- Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine was banned for four AFL matches late last season after an incident against Collingwood (contextual detail)
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- No contradictions found between the two sources on core factual claims
Source Articles
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