Saints forward Lance Collard is under AFL investigation for an alleged second homophobic slur in two years.
AFL Media first reported the 21-year-old was being probed by the league for the homophobic slur in the VFL clash between St Kilda and Frankston on Friday night.
St Kilda in a statement confirmed it’s “aware of an alleged incident involving one of its players” from the VFL match.
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“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 St Kilda statement said.
“While this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further.”
Lance Collard (Photo by Michael Willson via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The Herald Sun reported on Saturday night that Collard has told friends that he used the expression ‘maggot’, rather than a vile homophobic slur.
It comes after Collard in 2024 was given a six-match ban for a homophobic slur in a VFL game that he was made to undergo a Pride in Sport education program for.
“I am incredibly remorseful for my comments and any hurt they may have caused,” Collard said after the incident in July 2024.
“I’m disappointed in myself and fully accept the consequences for my behaviour.
“What I did doesn’t represent my values, or the values of the club. I have apologised to the Williamstown players who were impacted by my behaviour, and unreservedly reiterate that apology to anyone else my conduct affected.”
Collard, who is contracted at St Kilda until the end of 2027, was already in hot water for striking a Frankston player in Friday night’s clash that ignited a brawl.