24/04/2026
Hawks Pride are deeply saddened by the lowered suspension for Lance Collard of St Kilda Football Club. It was his second offence which has been reduced from 7 weeks to 2 weeks.
The AFL Appeals board stated today that “It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic while on the field” is hurtful to many in our community and not congruent with the work many people have done within the AFL industry.
Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO, announced today that the AFL strongly rejects this statement. However, we are asking the AFL and all Clubs to do more to educate players, legal staff and anyone involved in football about the importance of language used on the field and in every room of the AFL and to create consistent policies for consequences when players breach the rules set. Otherwise, moments like this only undermine the years of work we have done.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1503648