Max Knobel is banned for four matches after being found guilty of conduct unbecoming for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match.
"I have to take responsibility for my actions which were unacceptable. I understand the severity of what I said and the impact those comments have on a wide range of people," Knobel said in a statement.
"I have offered my apologies to the Brisbane player and would like to extend my sincerest apologies to those who have been impacted by my comments, particularly those as part of the LGBTIQA+ community."