What did Lance Collard say? Allegations of homophobic abuse against St Kilda talent investigated

St Kilda dynamic Lance Collard has been given a season-long ban after being found guilty by the AFL of making several homophobic comments in a VFL game.

The 19-year-old was accused of using several offensive terms during a game involving St Kilda’s VFL partner club Sandringham.

While the investigation is still ongoing, The Sporting News has all the details.

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What alleged homophobic slurs did Lance Collard utter?

Collard allegedly made several homophobic remarks towards Williamstown players while playing for Sandringham in the VFL match at DSV Stadium on Saturday.

It is alleged that Collard used the word “f****t” up to ten times during the fight, among other homophobic slurs.

#BREAK 🚨 St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard has been banned for six matches for making homophobic comments during a VFL game, including allegedly saying “f*****” up to ten times: Nine

— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) July 17, 2024

Will Lance Collard be suspended for alleged homophobic insults?

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Collard will receive a lengthy ban for his offences; the young player was banned for six games for his homophobic comments at the weekend.

In a statement, AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said: “The AFL is clear that homophobia has no place in our game or in society. We want everyone to feel safe playing our game and Collard’s behaviour does not contribute to that.”

“We will continue to work together as a code to make our game a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

St Kilda said it was “deeply disappointed” by Collard’s conduct. Acting general manager of football David Misson said: “There is no excuse for what Lance said… At St Kilda we have a strict policy of supporting the individual but challenging their conduct. Lance’s conduct in this case is completely unacceptable but we will continue to provide Lance with strong support and education.”

“We have met with Lance and made sure he understands the seriousness of the situation and the great harm that comments of this nature can cause.

“We have spoken to Pride Cup, a long-term partner of the club, who will continue to support the club and are now looking to provide additional training to Lance and the rest of our group of players to ensure this never happens again.”

He is ineligible to participate in AFL and VFL competitions for the duration of his suspension.

Recent AFL bans for homophobic insults

Two AFL players and a coach were suspended in 2024 for homophobic comments.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a two-match suspended sentence for comments he made towards St Kilda players in a pre-season match.

Port Adelaide striker Jeremy Finlayson has been banned for three matches following an investigation into verbal abuse during the Gather Round.

Gold Coast flanker Wil Powell was banned for five games for a comment made in the Q-Clash in May.

Lance Collard’s AFL career

Collard, a product of the West Coast Academy, was selected by St Kilda 28th in the first round of the 2023 AFL National Draft.

The small forward made his debut for the Saints in the first round and played three AFL games in his debut season.

Collard is the top scorer for St Kilda’s VFL partner club Sandringham with 15 goals in 11 games.

According to AFL.com.au, Collard was last week close to signing a two-year contract extension that would keep him with the Saints until the end of 2027.