St Kilda player Lance Collard has been handed a nine-match ban (two matches suspended) after being found guilty of using a homophobic slur.
The AFL tribunal last Friday upheld a charge of “conduct unbecoming” against Collard, who had rejected suggestions he called his Frankston opponent a “f*****g f*****” during a VFL match last month.
A hearing on Tuesday determined the lengthy sanction, which is the second time the 21-year-old has been banned for using a homophobic slur.
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The AFL argued for a 10-match ban, while the Saints said that would potentially be “career-ending”, and added that a fine or a maximum four-match ban would be more appropriate.
The tribunal deliberated for over an hour before landing on the nine-match ban, which is effectively seven matches given two of the matches are suspended for the next two seasons.
The ban will serve on top of the separate two-match striking ban from the same game.
The club will now assess their options, but had previously indicated they will consider appealing it.
Collard, who was banned for six matches for using the same homophobic word in 2024, was adamant he did not use it this time and even signed a statutory declaration.
The marathon hearing took place last Thursday, but the tribunal panel did not reach a determination before the 5pm deadline, and released their decision on Friday evening.
The AFL had said in the hearing they would seek a 10-match suspension for Collard if the charge was upheld.
Collard insisted he said, “Come here, maggot”, to Frankston player Darby Hipwell.
But Hipwell was adamant that was not the case.
“He had his head up against my ear and he said the words to me, ‘Darby, you ‘f****** f****t’,” Hipwell said.
The allegation was supported by Hipwell’s teammate Bailey Lambert.
Hipwell and Collard previously played together with VFL club Sandringham when the Zebras were St Kilda’s state-league affiliate.
Collard has played 15 AFL games since being taken by the Saints in the 2023 draft.
He is already serving a two-match ban stemming from a high hit on an opponent in the same VFL match in which he allegedly uttered the homophobic slur.
The Saints last week said they would continue to support Collard, who is contracted until the end of 2027, through the process.
– With AAP
