St Kilda footballer Lance Collard is under investigation by the AFL integrity unit for allegedly using a homophobic slur during a VFL match, a mere two years after he served a six-game suspension for an identical offence. The incident occurred during Friday's VFL game between St Kilda and Frankston, with the Saints confirming the probe late on Saturday.
AFL Integrity Unit Launches Investigation
The club released a statement acknowledging the alleged incident and emphasising its serious nature. 'St Kilda is aware of an alleged incident involving one of its players during last night's VFL match against Frankston,' the statement read. 'The club takes matters of this nature extremely seriously and is working closely with the AFL integrity unit as it conducts its investigation. While this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further.'
Collard's Defence and On-Field Altercation
According to reports from News Corp, Collard has defended himself to friends, claiming he used the term 'maggot' as a sledge against an opponent, rather than a homophobic slur. However, the AFL integrity unit is scrutinising the incident, which also involved high contact on a Frankston player that sparked an on-field brawl, adding to the controversy.
History of Previous Ban and AFL Crackdown
This is not Collard's first offence. In 2024, while playing for VFL side Sandringham, which was then affiliated with St Kilda, he received a six-game ban for using homophobic slurs. That case was part of a broader pattern that prompted the AFL to implement a crackdown on such behaviour. The league's stance was reinforced last season when Adelaide star Izak Rankine was suspended for four AFL games after a similar incident against Collingwood, causing him to miss the Crows' finals series.
Collard's Career and Education Efforts
Since his AFL debut in 2024, Collard has played 15 games for St Kilda. Following his previous ban, he participated in a Pride in Sport education program, aimed at promoting inclusivity and understanding. Despite these efforts, the latest allegation raises questions about the effectiveness of such programs and the ongoing challenges in eradicating discriminatory language from the sport.
The investigation by the AFL integrity unit is ongoing, with outcomes expected to influence future policies and disciplinary actions. As the league continues to address issues of homophobia, this case highlights the persistent struggles in maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment in Australian rules football.
