Lance Collard appeared before an AFL disciplinary tribunal on Thursday to address allegations of using a homophobic slur during a VFL match. If found guilty, he faces a potential suspension of up to 10 weeks.
The tribunal was unable to reach a conclusion before the deadline on Thursday and is expected to announce its decision on Friday. Collard, who plays as a forward for St Kilda, has denied the accusations that he directed a homophobic insult at an opponent.
During a lengthy four-hour session, Collard refuted the claim that he referred to an opponent using a derogatory term. He has formally declared his innocence through a statutory declaration. The incident in question reportedly occurred during a confrontation on the field last month, with Frankston player Darby Hipwell asserting that Collard used the offensive language during the altercation.
Hipwell’s testimony was supported by teammate Bailey Lambert, although umpire Sam Morgan, who was nearby during the incident, stated that he did not hear the alleged comment. Collard, who previously received a six-match ban for using similar language in 2024, maintains that he did not use the slur this time, insisting he actually said, “Come here, maggot.”
“I admitted my mistake in the past, but I did not say anything offensive this time,” Collard stated. “I have signed an oath affirming my honesty regarding this matter. I took responsibility for my actions previously and expressed remorse.”
The AFL is advocating for a suspension of 10 weeks, which would encompass both the AFL and VFL competitions. Collard’s legal representative, Michael Borsky KC, contended that his client has not been afforded fair procedural treatment due to the charges being filed under an inappropriate rule.
Both Hipwell and Lambert provided evidence during the tribunal, maintaining their confidence in the accuracy of their recollections. Hipwell stated, “He had his head close to mine when he said, ‘Darby, you f***ing f****t.’ I’m uncertain whether he said ‘you’ or ‘you are’.” Meanwhile, Borsky did not accuse them of intentionally misrepresenting the events but suggested they may have misunderstood what they heard.
Hipwell firmly asserted, “There is no possibility that I misheard him. I heard precisely what he said.” Interestingly, Hipwell and Collard have a shared history, having played together for the VFL club Sandringham when they were affiliated with St Kilda.
Collard is currently serving a two-match suspension related to a separate incident involving a high hit on an opponent during the same match where the alleged homophobic slur was used. His swinging arm to the head of Jackson Voss initiated the on-field confrontation that led to the current allegations.
