St Kilda's Collard Suspended for Homophobic Slur, Reduced on Appeal
The AFL's disciplinary process is under review after a tribunal verdict, a successful appeal, and a public rebuke from the league's CEO over the handling of a homophobic slur incident.
St Kilda forward Lance Collard was found guilty by an AFL independent disciplinary tribunal of using a homophobic slur during a VFL match on March 27, 2026. The tribunal upheld a charge of conduct unbecoming, rejecting Collard's denial of the allegation. Collard is currently serving a separate two-match suspension for a high hit on an opponent in the same match.
The case has prompted a series of appeals, sanctions, and official statements from the AFL, St Kilda, and the AFL Players Association.
Tribunal Hearing and Guilty Verdict
The AFL independent disciplinary tribunal heard the case against Collard, who was alleged to have directed a homophobic slur toward Frankston player Darby Hipwell during a VFL match on March 27. The tribunal upheld a charge of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) for conduct unbecoming.
Hearing Details:
- The hearing lasted over four hours on Thursday, April 16.
- Testimony was heard from five witnesses, including Hipwell, his teammate Bailey Lambert, VFL umpire Sam Morgan, Pride Cup CEO Hayley Conway, and St Kilda's Indigenous Player Development Manager Katrina Amon.
- Collard gave evidence for over three hours.
- The tribunal panel, comprising Chair Jeff Gleeson KC, former player Scott Stevens, and barrister Melia Benn, did not reach a determination on Thursday and announced the guilty verdict on Friday evening.
Conflicting Accounts:
- Lance Collard denied using the slur, stating under statutory declaration that he said, "Come here, maggot."
- Darby Hipwell testified that Collard said the words "Darby, you 'fing f**'" with his head near Hipwell's ear.
- Bailey Lambert supported Hipwell's account.
- Umpire Sam Morgan, who was near the players during the altercation, stated he did not hear the alleged comment.
"I admitted it last time when I said it, but I never said it this time." — Lance Collard
"There's no possibility that I misheard him. I heard exactly what he said." — Darby Hipwell
Collard's lawyer, Michael Borsky KC, did not accuse Hipwell and Lambert of giving false evidence but suggested they might have misheard Collard.
Sanctions
Initial Sanction (Seven Weeks)
The tribunal initially imposed a seven-week suspension on Collard for the homophobic slur. The AFL had argued for a 10-week suspension. St Kilda argued for a financial penalty or a maximum four-week ban with two weeks suspended.
Additional Suspension: Collard is currently serving a separate two-match suspension for a high hit on Jackson Voss in the same VFL match. This hit initiated the on-field melee that led to the verbal altercation. The seven-week suspension will begin after the striking ban is completed, meaning Collard was not eligible to play until June.
Appeal and Reduced Sanction (Nine Weeks to Two Weeks)
St Kilda Football Club appealed the initial nine-match suspension. The AFL Appeals Board, chaired by William Houghton KC and including Georgina Coghlan KC and former player Stephen Jurica, heard the appeal.
Appeal Arguments:
- St Kilda argued the original penalty was manifestly excessive and that Collard should only be fined, or alternatively receive a four-week suspension with two suspended.
- The club questioned the tribunal's reliance on Collard not immediately protesting the allegation and argued the tribunal was "internally inconsistent."
- St Kilda cited other cases for consistency, including fines or suspended bans for other players.
- The AFL argued the tribunal's decisions were open to them and that St Kilda's criticisms of the Frankston players' testimony were "clutching at straws."
Appeal Board Decision:
- The Appeals Board upheld the finding of conduct unbecoming.
- The board reduced the suspension from nine weeks to four weeks, with two weeks suspended until the end of the 2027 season.
- The board ruled the original penalty was "manifestly excessive" and would have a "crippling" effect on Collard's career.
Factors Cited in the Reduction:
- Collard's age (21)
- His Indigenous background (Noongar and Yamatji)
- His difficult upbringing
- That the recipient (Hipwell) stated he was not personally offended
"It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field." — Appeals Board Judgment
AFL CEO Rejects Appeals Board Reasoning
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon issued a statement publicly rejecting the Appeals Board's reasoning.
"Homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances."
"The AFL specifically rejects the appeals board's reasoning which stated, 'it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field.'"
"We will not accept, excuse or normalise behaviour and language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are." — Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO
The AFL said it would not pursue further action in Collard's case but would review its disciplinary processes, including the tribunals.
Removal of Appeals Board Chair
The AFL terminated William Houghton KC from his role as chair of the league's appeals board, effective immediately, two days after the board's ruling. An AFL spokesperson thanked Houghton for his service and noted his appointment in March 2024.
Statements and Reactions
St Kilda Football Club
St Kilda stated it was "naturally disappointed" with the initial guilty verdict and subsequent sanction. The club released a statement saying: "As a club, we will continue to stand by Lance, who maintains his position of innocence. This process has had a considerable impact on Lance, and we are committed to ensuring he is not only supported but that his integrity is defended through the appropriate process."
The club's statement also acknowledged "the impact the ongoing and public nature of this matter has had, particularly on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities."
"All of us from club-land are concerned about our individual players and the stress that they're put through and potential damage to that individual... It's very challenging and there's no doubt there's going to be losers and people that are damaged... that sits really heavily." — St Kilda Coach Ross Lyon
St Kilda also called for "greater consistency and clarity" in the AFL tribunal process.
AFL Players Association (AFLPA)
AFLPA CEO James Gallagher expressed disappointment that Collard's evidence was not believed by the tribunal. The union called for a "more effective and united approach" that considers players' diverse backgrounds.
"No matter how hard or competitive the game is, there is no excuse for racist, sexist, or homophobic language... Every step of this process has caused more harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, the First Nations community, and the individuals at the centre of this issue." — James Gallagher, AFLPA CEO
Pride Cup CEO Hayley Conway
Conway stated that addressing LGBTQIA+ discrimination requires collective investment in prevention, not just high-profile sanctions. She noted that consequences should not focus solely on individuals and that education provided to Collard included real-life stories on the impact of homophobic language.
Former Player Mitch Brown
Brown, a former West Coast player who is openly bisexual, posted on social media about receiving abuse related to the Collard decision. He stated that when homophobic language is topical in news, its use increases in the wider football community. He said such incidents reflect "a broader culture that hasn't shifted" and that public discussion often results in abuse directed at the queer community.
Other Reactions
- Retired AFLW player Kate McCarthy criticized the Appeals Board's comments, calling them "disgusting" and "baffling."
- Melbourne captain Max Gawn described the Appeals Board's comments as "embarrassing."
- Greens Senator Nick McKim described the decision to reduce the penalty as "appalling."
Player Background
- Lance Collard is 21 years old and of Noongar and Yamatji descent.
- He was selected by St Kilda in the 2023 AFL draft with pick 28.
- He has played 15 AFL games for St Kilda.
- He is contracted with St Kilda until the end of 2027.
- Collard and Darby Hipwell previously played together for VFL club Sandringham.
Previous Offense: In 2024, Collard received a six-match ban after pleading guilty to using the same homophobic slur multiple times during a VFL match while playing for Sandringham. As part of that sanction, he was required to complete a Pride in Sport education program.
Impact and Concerns
Impact on Witnesses: The two Frankston Dolphins VFL players who gave evidence against Collard were cross-examined for over an hour. After being publicly named, they received abusive social media comments. There is concern that the hearing process may deter other players from reporting homophobic language they overhear.
Wider Context: According to the AFL, this was the eighth instance in three years where AFL-listed players or coaches have been found to have used homophobic language in games. Previous sanctions include:
- Izak Rankine (Adelaide Crows) — three-match suspension (2024)
- Wil Powell (Gold Coast Suns) — five-match suspension (2024)
- Jeremy Finlayson (Port Adelaide) — four-match suspension (2024)
The Eddie Betts Foundation has recognized a need for education for young people from remote and rural areas and has maintained dialogue with the AFLPA regarding best-practice guidelines.
Related Incidents
Crowd Incident at Adelaide Oval
During an AFL match at Adelaide Oval, a section of Adelaide Crows fans booed Collingwood Magpies defender Isaac Quaynor. Quaynor had been the target of a homophobic slur by Adelaide player Izak Rankine in round 23 of the previous season, which resulted in a four-match ban.
- Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks commented that the situation was "not ideal" given the background.
- Adelaide Crows CEO Tim Silvers described the booing as "inappropriate and not good enough."
- AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stated that the targeted booing "should not have happened."
Gold Coast Player Max Knobel
Gold Coast ruckman Max Knobel was suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during a round 11 VFL game. Knobel admitted to using the slur and was found guilty of conduct unbecoming. The ban applies to AFL rounds 14-17 and any VFL matches in that period. Knobel apologized to the Brisbane player and the LGBTIQA+ community.
"Homophobia has no place in the game." — AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley
Brisbane Lions Player Koby Evans
The AFL investigated an alleged homophobic remark made by Brisbane Lions VFL player Koby Evans during a match against Coburg. Evans, 18, self-reported the incident and received a four-match ban (reduced from five for self-reporting). Evans apologized, stating his language was unacceptable. He will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education.
Sydney Swans Pride Game
The Sydney Swans moved their annual Pride Game, originally scheduled for round 13 against St Kilda, to round 17 against the Western Bulldogs. The decision was made following the Lance Collard case. The Swans stated they "felt it was appropriate to shift our 2026 Pride Match to ensure the game has the positive impact that is intended."
"We understand and support the decision given the impact the recent publicity has had on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities." — St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena