AFL Integrity Unit Probes St Kilda Player Over Alleged Homophobic Slur
The Australian Football League’s integrity unit has launched an investigation into a St Kilda player, Lance Collard, concerning an alleged homophobic slur used during a VFL (Victorian Football League) match between St Kilda and Frankston on Friday night. While the AFL, VFL, and the St Kilda Football Club have refrained from publicly naming the player involved, they have officially confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Sources close to the incident, speaking anonymously to maintain confidentiality, have identified Lance Collard as the player at the centre of the allegations. This development has been reported by various media outlets, including Nine News and AFL.com.au.
This is not the first time Collard has faced scrutiny for using homophobic language. In July 2024, he received a six-match suspension for similar remarks directed at Williamstown players in a VFL fixture. Following that incident, Collard issued an apology and voluntarily completed Pride in Sport training at his own expense.
When approached on Saturday night for comment regarding reports that Collard had informed friends he used the term “maggot” rather than a homophobic slur, his manager, Colin Young, stated, “That’s what I believe to be true.”
The St Kilda Football Club issued a statement on Saturday acknowledging that one of their players was under investigation by the AFL integrity unit. The club emphasised its commitment to addressing such matters with the utmost seriousness.
“The club takes matters of this nature extremely seriously and is working closely with the AFL integrity unit as it conducts its investigation into the matter,” the Saints stated.
“While this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further.”
The investigation is anticipated to conclude within several days.
Separate Incident Under Review
In addition to the alleged slur, a separate incident from the same VFL match is also being examined by the VFL match review officer. This review pertains to an alleged action by Collard, where he is said to have collected Frankston player Jackson Voss with a swinging arm shortly after Voss had kicked the ball. The findings from this match review are expected to be released on Monday.
The AFL and its affiliated leagues continue to uphold strict policies against discriminatory language and actions, underscoring the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants and fans. Investigations by the integrity unit are designed to ensure fair play and uphold the values of the sport. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for Collard and the St Kilda Football Club.
The ongoing scrutiny highlights the AFL’s commitment to addressing issues of player conduct, particularly those involving discrimination. The league has been proactive in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, and such investigations serve as a strong message about the consequences of failing to adhere to these principles. Fans and stakeholders will be keenly awaiting the resolution of these matters, which will undoubtedly shape the conversation around player behaviour and accountability within Australian Rules Football. The process involves a thorough review of evidence, including witness accounts and potentially video footage, to ensure a just and impartial outcome.
