St Kilda Forward Lance Collard Hit with Three-Match VFL Ban
St Kilda forward Lance Collard has been handed a three-match suspension by the VFL Match Review Officer for a high swinging arm incident during the Saints' narrow loss to Frankston on Friday night. The ban can be reduced to two weeks if Collard submits an early guilty plea.
High Hit Sparks All-In Brawl
In the third quarter of the match, Collard collected Frankston's Jackson Voss with a high hit, which ignited an all-in brawl on the field. This disciplinary action comes as the AFL continues its separate investigation into an alleged homophobic slur made by Collard during the same game.
AFL Integrity Unit Investigates Alleged Homophobic Slur
Collard, who reportedly returned to Perth over the weekend, insists he called an opposition player "a maggot" and was misheard. He returned to Melbourne on Monday to meet with the AFL integrity department, where he maintains his innocence. This is not the first time Collard has faced scrutiny; in 2024, he was suspended for six games and ordered to complete a Pride in Sport education program after admitting to using homophobic slurs against VFL opponents.
St Kilda's Response and External Calls for Action
In a statement, St Kilda said they are taking the matter seriously but will not comment further due to the ongoing investigation. The club emphasized their commitment to working closely with the AFL integrity unit. Meanwhile, AFLW All-Australian Kate McCarthy has called for Collard's contract to be terminated if he is found guilty, stating that a second offense warrants serious action to champion the LGBTQIA+ community.
Collard's Career and Contract Status
Lance Collard, 21, has played 15 AFL games since being drafted by St Kilda with Pick 28 in 2023 and is contracted until the end of next year. The outcome of the AFL's investigation could have significant implications for his future with the club.
