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McGuire’s news on Izak Rankine decision
SEN • August 20th, 2025 9:03 am
Adelaide’s Izak Rankine will be suspended for five weeks for using a homophobic slur, according to Eddie McGuire.
The former Collingwood president broke the news on Channel 9 on Tuesday night, suggesting that the Crows have been informed that Rankine will be banned for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The incident occurred during Adelaide’s dramatic three-point win over the Magpies at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
“Izak Rankine’s season is over,” McGuire said on Footy Classified.
“Tonight the AFL will send a letter to the Adelaide Football Club - I believe it’s already arrived.
“My understanding is he will be suspended for five weeks. His season is finished in 2025.
“The Adelaide Football Club and Izak Rankine will have the opportunity to appeal sanction and try to get it reduced because they could argue that it is manifestly unjust.
“They’ll have the next 24 hours, or 12 hours at least, to decide whether or not they mount an appeal.
“But we can tell you that Izak Rankine’s season is over. He has been suspended for the entire finals series because of the homophobic slur against the Collingwood Football Club.
“As I mentioned, the Crows can appeal. Whether or not they will or not… I suppose you have to roll the dice and have a bit of a go.”
The incident overshadowed the Crows’ narrow victory and with just one match remaining in the home and away season plus four weeks of finals, the ban means Rankine will not play again in 2025.
Rankine is not believed to have self-reported but it is understood he issued an apology to the Collingwood player in question.
Earlier this season, West Coast’s Jack Graham copped a four-game ban for using a homophobic slur which only came to the AFL’s attention after he self-reported.
Additionally, Sydney’s Riak Andrew was hit with a five-week ban for using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur in the VFL.
Last season, Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was rubbed out for five matches and Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was suspended for three weeks. St Kilda’s Lance Collard was hit with a six-week suspension for a slur while playing VFL.
