Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine has issued a personal apology after allegedly directing a homophobic slur towards a Collingwood opponent during Saturday night’s clash, with the AFL Integrity Unit now investigating the incident.
The alleged comment occurred in the Crows’ crucial win over the Magpies, immediately prompting concern from officials and rival players. By Sunday, Rankine had personally phoned the Collingwood footballer involved to apologise for his remarks. While the gesture was welcomed, the AFL has made clear that private apologies do not replace formal accountability under its anti-vilification rules.
The league has interviewed both Rankine and his opponent, while Adelaide has pledged full cooperation with the process. Sanctions are expected this week, with the standard penalty for a homophobic slur carrying a suspension of around five games. Adelaide is understood to be pushing for a reduced three-game ban, which would allow Rankine to return in time for finals. A heavier penalty, however, could see the forward miss the entire September campaign.
Crows leaders, including captain Jordan Dawson, have rejected any suggestion of systemic issues at the club, emphasising that the incident was isolated and not reflective of broader culture. AFL executives, meanwhile, have reinforced their zero-tolerance stance, insisting consistency is crucial given the spate of similar cases over the past 18 months.
If suspended, Rankine would become the sixth AFL-listed player to face punishment for using a homophobic slur since early 2024, joining Jeremy Finlayson, Wil Powell, Lance Collard, Jack Graham and Riak Andrew. The string of incidents has prompted fresh debate about language standards and the AFL’s role in driving cultural change across the sport.
While Rankine’s apology may be taken into account as a mitigating factor, the league is under pressure to deliver a firm response. For Adelaide, the timing could hardly be worse, with the Crows pushing for a strong finish to the season and Rankine seen as central to their finals hopes.
The Integrity Unit is expected to finalise its findings within days, with the AFL set to confirm sanctions before Adelaide’s next match.
