St Kilda draftee Lance Collard has been slapped with a six-week ban for his repeated use of homophobic comments in the VFL at the weekend.

Earlier this week, an AFL Integrity Unit investigation was launched after Collard was alleged to have directed multiple homophobic slur towards a number of Williamstown opponents while playing for Saints VFL affiliate side Sandringham on Saturday.

In a statement on Wednesday, The AFL confirmed Collard, 19, has been suspended for six games after being found guilty of breaching the AFL's conduct unbecoming rule.

It was found Collard "used unprompted and highly offensive homophobic slurs against two Williamstown opponents".

Collard stated he is "incredibly remorseful" for his comments.

The West Australian is unable represent St Kilda and Sandringham during this period, as a listed AFL player.

Collard is also required to attend Pride in Sport training at his own cost.

"There is no excuse for using the language that Collard used on the weekend. Everyone understands it is totally unacceptable in any setting, ever," AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said.

"The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want everyone to feel safe playing in our game and Collard's behaviour does not help this.

"As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all."

The likely season-ending suspension is the longest handed out to an AFL player for similar matters in 2024.

In April, Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson missed three weeks after directing a homophobic slur at an Essendon player during Gather Round.

A month later, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches for a homophobic slur towards a Brisbane opponent.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was issued a $20,000 fine and a suspended two-game ban for a similar verbal matter levelled at St Kilda players in the fallout of Jy Simpkin's concussion in a preseason scratch match, allowing him to continue gameday duties.

In a statement issued by St Kilda, Collard said "I am incredibly remorseful for my comments and any hurt they may have caused".

"I'm disappointed in myself and fully accept the consequences for my behaviour," he said.

"What I did doesn't represent my values, or the values of the club. I have apologised to the Williamstown players who were impacted by my behaviour, and unreservedly reiterate that apology to anyone else my conduct affected."

St Kilda, who had previously not publicly commented on the matter, said they were "thoroughly disappointed" with the youngster's comments - who they will provide support through the current process, via club executive general manager of football David Misson.

St Kilda's last win came in their annual Pride Game against Sydney.

"There is no excuse for what Lance said," Misson said.

"At St Kilda we have a strong policy of supporting the person but challenging the behaviour. Lance's behaviour in this instance is totally unacceptable, but we will also be strong in our support and education for Lance.

"We have met with Lance and made sure he understands the seriousness of the situation and the depths to which comments of this nature can cause harm.

"We have spoken to Pride Cup, a long-term partner of the club, who will continue to support the club and now look to provide additional education to Lance and the rest of our playing group to ensure that this never happens again."

Collard has made three senior appearances arriving at St Kilda with pick 28 in last year's national draft.

The Saints currently sit 15th with six games remaining in the home-and-away season, while Sandringham sit half a game out of the eight with five matches until finals.