St Kilda player investigated for allegedly using a homophobic slur for the second time
Updated ,first published
St Kilda’s Lance Collard is being investigated by the AFL integrity unit for allegedly using a homophobic slur in the VFL match between St Kilda and Frankston on Friday night.
The Saints, AFL and VFL would not disclose the identity of the player involved but confirmed an investigation has started.
A source with knowledge of the incident, who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity, confirmed Collard was the player involved. Nine News and AFL.com.au were among the first to report the story.
Collard was previously suspended for six matches for using homophobic language towards Williamstown players in a VFL match in July 2024. He apologised and also undertook Pride in Sport training at his own expense.
On Saturday night, The Age asked Collard’s manager, Colin Young, whether reporting in The Herald Sun – that Collard had told friends he used the expression “maggot” rather than a homophobic slur – was accurate. “That’s what I believe to be true,” Young said.
The Saints released a statement on Saturday confirming one of their players was being investigated by the AFL integrity unit.
“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,” the Saints said.
“While this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further.”
The investigation is expected to take several days.
A separate incident from the match is also being reviewed by the VFL match review officer after Collard allegedly collected a Frankston player Jackson Voss with a swinging arm after he kicked the ball.
The MRO findings are expected to be announced on Monday.
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