VFL offers three-match ban to Lance Collard for high hit as AFL continue investigation into homophobic slur

St Kilda forward Lance Collard has been hit with a three-match ban for a high hit in the Saints’ VFL loss to Frankston as the AFL continues its investigation into an alleged homophobic slur.

Collard collected Frakston’s Jackson Voss with a high swinging arm in the third quarter of their narrow loss on Friday night, sparking an all-in brawl.

The VFL Match Review Officer slapped Collard with a three-match ban for the incident, which can be reduced to two weeks with an early guilty plea.

It comes as the Subiaco product reportedly returned to Perth over the weekend amid the AFL’s investigation into an alleged homophobic slur from Collard in the same match.

The forward insists he called an opposition player “a maggot” and that he was misheard.

Collard returned to Melbourne on Monday to sit before the AFL integrity department, where he continues to maintain his innocence.

The 21-year-old was suspended for six games in 2024 and was ordered to undergo a Pride in Sport education program after admitting to using homophobic slurs against VFL opponents.

In a statement, St Kilda said they are taking the matter seriously but would not comment further amid the ongoing investigation.

“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 club said.

AFLW All-Australian Kate McCarthy called for his contract to be ripped up if he’s found guilty.

“I think if St Kilda is completely serious about standing up for and championing the LGBTQIA+ community, I think they would part ways with Lance Collard,” McCarthy told AFL.com.au.

“Everyone makes mistakes ... and I think you have the right to make one mistake with an issue like this. If it happens a second time, there is more serious action

“If St Kilda is completely serious about championing for the LGBTQIA+ community, I think they will part ways with Lance Collard on the back of this.”

Collard has played 15 AFL games since being taken by the Saints with Pick 28 in the 2023 draft and is contracted until the end of next year.