St Kilda’s Lance Collard Set to Confront AFL Disciplinary Tribunal for First Time Following Allegations of Homophobic Slur

St Kilda’s young talent, Lance Collard, is set to appear before a disciplinary tribunal next week, following allegations of a homophobic slur made during a VFL match in March.

The forward received a two-match suspension after a swinging arm incident left a Frankston player with a facial injury, which subsequently escalated into a brawl, alongside the alleged slur.

The 21-year-old has contested the claims, asserting he actually said ‘maggot’ rather than the purported slur.

Collard returned home to Perth this week, maintaining his stance that he did not make any homophobic remarks during the game.

Previously, he served a six-match suspension in 2024 for a similar incident in the VFL, where he promptly admitted his wrongdoing and apologised.

This time, however, he has firmly disputed the allegations.

According to The Age, due to conflicting reports about what was said, the AFL is conducting a unique hearing aimed at clarifying the situation.

The tribunal will convene after the Easter long weekend, as confirmed by the AFL, while St Kilda is currently on a bye week.

Collard is contracted to the Saints until the end of 2027 but has yet to make an appearance at the AFL level this season.

Since being drafted with pick 28 in 2023, he has participated in 15 career games.

The AFL has implemented several suspensions over the past years for homophobic slurs, with Izak Rankine notably missing the 2025 finals after directing one at Collingwood players.

However, there is currently no established precedent for a second suspension under these circumstances, leaving the potential duration of any ban uncertain.

Regardless, Collard won’t be available for selection until late April, as he serves his two-match suspension for the swinging arm, in addition to St Kilda’s bye week.