Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine has been suspended for five games after using a homophobic slur during a heated clash with Collingwood — a sanction that not only derails his 2025 season but could also dent the Crows’ premiership hopes.
The AFL Integrity Unit confirmed the penalty this week following an investigation into the on-field remark. Rankine’s suspension reignites long-standing concerns about how the league is tackling entrenched homophobia within the game.
Star Observer first reported last week that the Integrity Unit had opened its probe after the slur was referenced in post-match reports.
Footy commentator Eddie Maguire summed up the outcome on Footy Classified:
“His season is finished in 2025.”
Crows weigh up an appeal
Adelaide is reportedly considering an appeal, pointing to what it describes as extenuating circumstances. The club argues Rankine’s outburst was “triggered” by a sledge from Collingwood’s Dan Houston, referencing an incident last season when Houston knocked Rankine out of a match.
However, while Houston was not the direct target of the remark, Adelaide is presenting the escalating exchange as part of its case to have Rankine’s ban reduced in order to preserve its finals campaign.
Still, many in the AFL community — particularly queer fans — have emphasised that provocation is no excuse for homophobia.
Past conduct resurfaces
Rankine’s disciplinary history has also returned to the spotlight. Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary noted on X that Rankine allegedly used a similar slur against a Collingwood player in a past match.
“The incident hasn’t been lost on Magpies players as the investigation into Rankine ramped up over the last 48 hours,” Cleary said.
Teammates respond
Crows players have expressed disappointment, though several insisted the club already provides adequate education on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Veteran forward Taylor Walker told Triple M Breakfast:
“He’s very remorseful and he understands that he’s made a mistake. He’ll accept whatever comes his way.”
Club captain Jordan Dawson added:
“Obviously it’s not ideal. But it’s in the AFL’s hands… we will wait and see and leave it up to the AFL to go through what they have to go through.”
Darcy Fogarty echoed the sentiment:
“Definitely not ideal,” he said, before noting: “Yeah, I reckon we definitely get enough [education]. We’re massive role models for the community. We’ve got to be really careful in terms of how we use that power.”
A recurring problem for the AFL
Although a five-game suspension is significant, critics argue it remains insufficient given the repeated nature of such incidents. Rankine’s case marks the sixth homophobic slur in AFL matches within the past 16 months.
The AFL has been accused of relying too heavily on reactive punishments rather than fostering genuine cultural reform. Without stronger preventative education and accountability measures, many fear the cycle of slurs, apologies, and short bans will simply continue.
While Adelaide now faces the challenge of competing without one of its stars, the bigger loss lies with queer fans, who once again see the gap between the AFL’s inclusive rhetoric and the lived reality of homophobia within the game.
