An AFL player is once again under investigation over alleged homophobic language, in a fresh incident that comes during the same week former player Leigh Ryswyk made history by publicly coming out as gay.
St Kilda forward Lance Collard is being investigated over comments allegedly made during a VFL match against Frankston on Friday night. The allegations are particularly serious given Collard has previously been sanctioned for similar behaviour.
This is not the first time the 21-year-old has faced scrutiny over homophobic language on the field. In 2024, Collard received the AFL’s longest suspension for using homophobic slurs during a VFL game while playing for Sandringham. Reports at the time alleged he had used the offensive language repeatedly during the match.
Following that investigation, Collard was handed a six-match ban, fined, and ordered to complete a Pride in Sport education programme. He later apologised, saying he was “incredibly remorseful” and that his actions did not reflect his values or those of the club.
Now, just two years later, Collard is again at the centre of an integrity investigation after allegedly using homophobic language during Friday’s heated clash, which also featured an on-field brawl.
In a statement released over the weekend, St Kilda confirmed it was aware of the alleged incident and said it was cooperating fully with the AFL Integrity Unit.
“St Kilda Football Club is aware of an alleged incident involving one of its players during last night’s VFL match against Frankston,” the club said.
“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.”
“While this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further.”
The latest allegation adds to a troubling pattern of similar incidents across the AFL in recent years, despite repeated efforts to address homophobic language in the game.
Other players to face sanctions over such conduct include West Coast Eagles player Jack Graham, Sydney Swans player Riak Andrew and Izak Rankine, all of whom were penalised after using homophobic slurs during matches.
The investigation into Collard’s alleged conduct comes at a particularly significant moment for the sport, as conversations around inclusion, accountability and LGBTQ+ visibility in Australian football continue to grow.
