St Kilda Football Club will appeal the AFL Disciplinary Tribunal’s decision to find Lance Collard guilty of AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) towards an opponent, and the subsequent sanction of a nine-week suspension (with two weeks suspended).

As a club, we will continue to stand by Lance, who maintains his position of innocence. This process has had a considerable impact on Lance, and we are committed to ensuring he is not only supported but that his integrity is defended through the appropriate process.

We also recognise and empathise with the impact the ongoing and public nature of this matter has had, particularly on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities.

The AFL will now determine the timing of the appeal hearing which is expected for next week. As the process remains ongoing, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.