The AFL are investigating an alleged homophobic slur said by Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans in the VFL at the weekend.

According to reports, the league is aware of the alleged incident, with its integrity unit to investigate the matter with the Lions confirming Evans, 18, has apologised multiple times.

The former West Coast Next Generation Academy member was playing in his fifth VFL game against Coburg, having been drafted to the Lions with pick 38 in last year's national draft.

"The club is aware of the incident and has been working with Coburg and the AFL on it," a Lions spokesperson said, via reports.

"The club has confirmed the player has apologised multiple times - on field and again post match.

"The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility.

"The club is disappointed the incident has occurred, while supporting and educating the player."

It comes just weeks after the outcome of St Kilda forward Lance Collard's tribunal and appeals board hearings, ending in a two-week ban for use of homophobic language during a VFL game.

Evans was drafted as a highly-touted prospect after playing league football in the WAFL with Perth Demons in 2025, amid an injury-interrupted season.

"We have been made aware of a matter arising from the VFL Round 6 match between Coburg and the Brisbane Lions, which has been referred to the AFL integrity unit," an AFL statement read, via reports.

Evans is yet to make his AFL debut.

In recent seasons, a number of AFL players have been handed bans for the use of homophobic language.

Collard became the first player to be found guilty of breaking AFL conduct unbecoming rules with his recent ban — which brought a wave of criticism after the Appeals Board's decision to reduce what was initially nine weeks (two suspended) down to four weeks (two suspended).

The AFL removed Will Houghton from his role as Appeals Board Chair as a result.

The league had initially sought a 10-week ban for the Saint.

"Let's be clear: homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances," AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said in a statement.

"The AFL specifically rejects the Appeals Board's reasoning which stated, 'it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field'," Dillon said.

"The AFL strongly rejects the statement not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of the sanction."