St Kilda Removed from AFL Pride Match Following Lance Collard Incident
St Kilda has been removed from the AFL Pride Game fixture following the controversy surrounding Saints player Lance Collard and his use of a homophobic slur. The annual Pride Game, which celebrates LGBTIQA+ inclusivity, was originally scheduled to feature St Kilda against the Sydney Swans in round 13 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). However, the match has now been replaced by a game between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney in round 17.
Background of the Lance Collard Case
Lance Collard, a fringe player for St Kilda, was found guilty of using homophobic language during a Victorian Football League (VFL) game. This was his second offence involving a homophobic slur. Initially, Collard was banned for seven matches, but after an appeal by St Kilda, the penalty was reduced to a two-week suspension with an additional two weeks suspended.
The AFL later dismissed the appeal board chair, Will Houghton KC, after he commented in the final verdict that racist, sexist, or homophobic language was “commonplace” in the sport. This decision and the surrounding controversy contributed to the fallout affecting the Pride Game partnership.
Changes to the Pride Game Fixture
The Sydney Swans announced the change in the Pride Game fixture, ending a decade-long partnership with St Kilda for this event. The Swans stated that the decision was made to ensure the Pride Game maintains its positive impact and focus on inclusivity for the communities it represents.
“We felt it was appropriate to shift our 2026 Pride Match to ensure the game has the positive impact that is intended,” the Swans said in a statement.
“It is important that the focus is on the positive experience we are creating for the communities at the heart of Pride Game. We stand with the LGBTIQA+ community and believe that sport has the power to bring people together and celebrate inclusivity. That’s why Pride Game matters.”
St Kilda also released a statement through their chief executive, Carl Dilena, expressing their desire to remain involved in the Pride Game. However, following discussions with the Sydney Swans, the Rainbow Swans supporter group, Pride Cup, and the AFL, it was agreed that the match would no longer carry the Pride Game designation this year.
“While we would have preferred to proceed with the Pride Game designation to support inclusion and education, we understand and support the decision given the impact the recent publicity has had on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities,” Dilena said.
The decision reflects the ongoing sensitivity and commitment to ensuring that the Pride Game remains a positive and inclusive event for all participants and supporters.