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Why Rankine was eligible for Brownlow despite slur ban
SEN • September 23rd, 2025 1:38 pm
Izak Rankine was eligible for the Brownlow Medal despite being handed a four-match ban by the AFL.
Confusion reigned among fans and experts after Rankine’s name flashed up on screen during the Brownlow Medal TV transmission with no red X next to his name – as is the norm when a player is rubbed out.
Rankine was slapped with a five-match ban for using a homophobic slur during Adelaide’s round 23 clash with Collingwood. It was later reduced to four matches on “medical grounds”.
The ban ruled him out of finals with Adelaide knocked out in straight sets.
Explaining the issue and why Rankine was not eliminated from Brownlow contention, SENSA Breakfast host Mark Bickley said: “His was a misconduct charge not reportable offence.
“Because there was no complaint laid by anyone on the field at the time, it was something that happened afterwards.
“It’s the equivalent of Tex Walker missing six weeks with his racial slur. This was something that happened and was picked up after the game.”
Rule 21.2(c) of the AFL regulations notes “any player who has been found guilty of a reportable offence in a home-and-away match in which Brownlow Medal votes have been cast shall be ineligible to receive the Brownlow Medal in that season”.
The alleged slur was not reported to the AFL until after the clash and Rankine was found to be in breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a) (conduct unbecoming).
It seems not even Adelaide knew of the rule given their statement on the day of the Brownlow said: “Rankine was expected to poll well despite being ineligible for the Brownlow due to suspension”.
Rankine polled 15 votes from six games on Monday night with Matt Rowell crowned the winner.
