Story perspectives

AFL Board Cuts Collard Ban to Two Weeks Amid Outcry

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The AFL appeal board, chaired by Will Houghton KC, cut Lance Collard’s suspension to two weeks, with two weeks suspended.
The board said the seven-week ban was excessive, noted that racist, sexist or homophobic language is commonplace, and cited Collard’s Indigenous heritage, young age, difficult background and that Darby Hipwell was not offended.
St Kilda expressed disappointment and called for consistency, while former players Luke Ball and Kate McCarthy condemned the board’s reasoning.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 Indigenous star Nicky Winmar lifted his St Kilda jersey after enduring racial vilification, a moment echoed by teammate McAdam’s five-goal performance against Collingwood. The incident resurfaced in April 2023 when Collingwood formally apologized, reigniting calls for clearer AFL anti-racism standards in the national conversation. The league’s ongoing reforms trace back to that pivotal protest.

1 of 2

Story summary

The AFL appeal board, chaired by Will Houghton KC, cut Lance Collard’s suspension to two weeks, with two weeks suspended.
The board said the seven-week ban was excessive, noted that racist, sexist or homophobic language is commonplace, and cited Collard’s Indigenous heritage, young age, difficult background and that Darby Hipwell was not offended.
St Kilda expressed disappointment and called for consistency, while former players Luke Ball and Kate McCarthy condemned the board’s reasoning.

1 / 2