Adelaide Crows Without Izak Rankine Against North Melbourne

Rankine's four-game ban

Izak Rankine's four-game suspension will keep him out of Adelaide Crows' final home-and-away game against North Melbourne. The Adelaide Crows face a challenge without Izak Rankine against North Melbourne due to his suspension.

Izak Rankine, the Adelaide Crows midfielder, has been suspended for four matches after admitting to using a homophobic slur against a Collingwood player during their game last weekend. The Australian Football League (AFL) confirmed the sanction after a thorough investigation by its Integrity Unit. Rankine has expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to the Collingwood player involved.

Details of the Incident:

• Game Incident: The slur was directed at a Collingwood player during a match at the Adelaide Oval.
• Investigation: The AFL Integrity Unit conducted a five-day investigation, considering evidence and interviewing relevant parties.
• Admission: Rankine admitted to using the homophobic slur, leading to the suspension.

Adelaide star Izak Rankine's four-game ban for using a homophobic slur might not entirely derail his season. If the Adelaide Crows lose their qualifying final, Rankine could potentially play in the 2025 AFL Grand Final if they qualify through the semi and preliminary finals.

Rankine's Situation:

• Ban Duration: Four matches
• Potential Return: Possible return in the Grand Final, depending on Adelaide's finals path
• Previous Apology: Rankine apologized to the Magpie player involved after the incident

🗣️ "Such a disappointing moment from a disappointing administration."

➡️ @GerardWhateley on the four-week suspension for Izak Rankine.#AFL 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gHhKpmczEG

— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) August 21, 2025

The AFL's investigation and subsequent ban have sparked intense debate within the community, highlighting the league's commitment to tackling vilification. This isn't an isolated incident, with Rankine being the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic slur in the past 16 months.

Recent AFL Suspensions for Homophobic Slurs:

• Izak Rankine: Four games for directing a homophobic slur at a Collingwood opponent
• Jack Graham: Four games for a homophobic remark to a GWS player
• Lance Collard: Six games for homophobic comments in the VFL
• Jeremy Finlayson: Three games for directing a homophobic slur at an opponent
• Wil Powell: Five matches for a homophobic slur
• Riak Andrew: Five matches for an anti-gay slur in a reserves game 

However, after the Crows challenged the ban, citing the significant impact of missing finals compared to home-and-away matches, the suspension was reduced to four games. This decision means Rankine will miss the Crows' home-and-away match against North Melbourne and potentially return for the Grand Final if the team advances that far.

Rankine's Suspension Details:

• Original Suspension: Five matches, which would have ruled him out for the remainder of the season
• Revised Suspension: Four matches, allowing for a potential return in the Grand Final
• Eligibility: Rankine will be eligible to play in the Grand Final if the Crows lose their qualifying final and qualify through the semi and preliminary finals

The Crows' defense strategy included arguing that Rankine was provoked by Collingwood players, including Dan Houston, who had a previous incident with Rankine in 2024 where he knocked him out with a heavy bump. The AFL's General Counsel, Stephen Meade, emphasized that stamping out vilification is a top priority, and the suspension reflects the seriousness of the offense.

AFL's Stance on Vilification:

• Priority: Stamping out vilification in the game
• Consistency: The AFL is considering introducing a matrix for homophobic and racial slurs to ensure consistent penalties in the future
• Previous Incidents: Other players, including Jack Graham and Riak Andrew, have received suspensions for similar offenses, with varying lengths based on individual circumstances

Rankine has apologized to the Collingwood player involved and has expressed remorse for his actions. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the AFL's handling of vilification cases and the need for consistent penalties.

“Following an investigation and submissions from Adelaide and Rankine including compelling medical submissions, Rankine has received a four-match sanction and has been ordered to undertake further Pride In Sport training,” the AFL said in a media statement on Thursday afternoon.

“It should be noted that on Sunday, Rankine rang the Collingwood player to personally apologise and he fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit including by admitting the use of the homophobic slur and being remorseful for it.

Izak Rankine, the Adelaide Crows midfielder, has been suspended for four weeks after admitting to a homophobic slur directed at a Collingwood player. Rankine released a formal apology via the club, expressing remorse for his actions. “I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so, and that type of language has no place in football or the community,” Rankine said. “It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player, and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club. I'm committed to educating myself and being better.”

“The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses.”

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade emphasized the league's commitment to stamping out vilification, stating, “In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football. The suspension is significant, but stamping out vilification in our game is incredibly important.” The AFL will continue to consider specific circumstances in each incident when determining responses, but Meade stressed that players have a clear understanding of the rules and consequences of breaching them.

Izak Rankine will miss the Adelaide Crows' final home-and-away game against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday due to his four-game suspension for using a homophobic slur against a Collingwood player. The suspension was upheld by the AFL Tribunal, and Rankine's absence will likely impact the Crows' chances of winning their game and potentially impacting their finals run.