Lance Collard, a 21-year-old forward for St Kilda in the Australian Football League (AFL), has received a two-week suspension after an appeal reduced his initial seven-week ban for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match. The AFL appeal board, led by Will Houghton KC, upheld the finding of conduct unbecoming but deemed the original penalty excessively harsh, stating it would have a 'crippling' effect on Collard's career. Collard, who denied the allegation, had previously admitted to using the same slur in 2024, resulting in a six-game suspension. The board acknowledged Collard's age, Indigenous heritage, and difficult background in their decision. St Kilda expressed disappointment over the upheld charge but welcomed the reduced sanction, emphasizing the need for consistency in the AFL’s tribunal processes. The AFL reiterated its commitment to eradicating homophobic language from the sport, highlighting its educational efforts for players. Collard's two-week suspension will run concurrently with a separate two-match ban he received for striking during the same fixture.