St Kilda’s Lance Collard cops six-week suspension for use of homophobic slurs

Young Saint Lance Collard has apologised after being banned for six weeks for using homophobic slurs toward two VFL opponents during a recent match.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. February 5, 2024. St Kilda AFL football training at RSEA Park, Moorabbin. Lance Collard during todays session. Pic: Michael Klein

The AFL has suspended first-year St Kilda forward Lance Collard for six weeks after it was found he directed homophobic slurs at two opponents in a reserves game on Saturday.

Collard, 19, was investigated for the offences after playing for St Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham against Williamstown.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the league said his comments were “unprompted and highly offensive”.

Collard said he was “incredibly remorseful” and fully accepted his suspension, which will also include mandatory Pride in Sport training.

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said “there was no excuse” for the language Collard used.

Lance Collard has been banned for six games. Picture: Getty Images

“Everyone understands it is totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” Meade said.

“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want everyone to feel safe playing in our game and Collard’s behaviour does not help this.

“As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

St Kilda football boss David Misson said the Saints had spoken to long-term partners Pride Cup, who would provide “additional education” to Collard and teammates following the incident.

“There is no excuse for what Lance said,” Misson said.

“At St Kilda we have a strong policy of supporting the person but challenging the behaviour. Lance’s behaviour in this instance is totally unacceptable, but we will also be strong in our support and education for Lance.

“We have met with Lance and made sure he understands the seriousness of the situation and the depths to which comments of this nature can cause harm.”

Collard has played three AFL games. Picture: Michael Klein

Collard said the exchange with the two Williamstown players did not “represent my values”.

“I am incredibly remorseful for my comments and any hurt they may have caused,” he said.

“I’m disappointed in myself and fully accept the consequences for my behaviour.

“What I did doesn’t represent my values, or the values of the club. I have apologised to the Williamstown players who were impacted by my behaviour, and unreservedly reiterate that apology to anyone else my conduct affected.”

Collard’s suspension is the largest handed down for homophobic abuse this season after two players and North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson had already been sanctioned by the AFL.

Clarkson was fined and given a suspended sentence along with mandatory education training after directing a homophobic slur at a St Kilda player during a pre-season game in March.

Finlayson was banned for three weeks for issuing a slur at an Essendon opponent during Gather Round, before Gold Coast’s Powell was handed a heavier five-match ban for the same offence a few weeks later.

Meade said after Finlayson’s suspension there would be more severe penalties for similar incidents in the future.