St Kilda forward Lance Collard will face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday after allegedly directing a homophobic comment towards a Frankston opponent in a VFL game a fortnight ago.
The hearing is likely to be open to the media to ensure transparency in a case where versions of what was allegedly said are being contested.
Collard denied using the offensive slur when the AFL integrity unit investigated him, which has led to the unprecedented step of a tribunal hearing being convened to determine the matter.
It is the first time an AFL player has been made to appear in front of such a tribunal, which will be chaired by Jeff Gleeson.
Collard, who is contracted until 2027, was suspended for six matches in 2024 after using a homophobic slur when playing for Sandringham in the VFL against Williamstown.
He admitted to the offence at that time and apologised before undertaking Pride in Sport training.
The ramifications for Collard are unclear if he is found guilty of a second offence, but another suspension for the same offence would place his AFL career in doubt.
Collard has legal representation and one competition source, who chose to remain anonymous, said the Saint was leaving his legal options open as he proceeds to the hearing.
The 21-year-old has played 15 matches since the Saints drafted him with pick 28 in the 2024 national draft but is yet to appear in the seniors this season.
The AFL Players Association wants a proper process to be established to deal with off-field disciplinary matters. The union wants players to have the right to challenge any decisions and a sanctioning framework to be in place.
Previous players suspended for making homophobic comments on the ground have admitted their use and accepted the penalty handed down. Former Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson became the first player suspended for the offence when he received a three-match ban in 2024 after using the slur during Gather Round.
Since then, the penalties have been inconsistent. Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was banned for five matches, West Coast’s Jack Graham for four matches, Sydney’s Riak Andrew for five matches and Adelaide’s Izak Rankine banned for four after compelling medical evidence was used to reduce his ban from five.
