‘I never said it this time’: Collard denies using homophobic slur, faces wait on potential 10-week ban

4.13pm

‘I never said it this time’: Saints player says he did not use a homophobic slur

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An unprecedented AFL disciplinary tribunal determining whether St Kilda’s Lance Collard directed a homophobic slur at Frankston opponent Darby Hipwell will drag into a second day after both parties maintained different positions about what was allegedly said during a melee in the third quarter of a match on March 27.

Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson said the panel was close to reaching a verdict but would deliver their finding and reasons on Friday.

The implications for Collard are significant as the league is arguing that he should receive a 10-week suspension if found guilty.

Collard, who was suspended for six matches in 2024 when he admitted using a homophobic slur in a VFL game, told the tribunal he said ‘come here you maggot’ to his opponent and former Sandringham teammate Darby Hipwell.

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