Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine is under investigation by the AFL’s integrity unit following allegations he used a homophobic slur during Saturday night’s match against Collingwood.
The AFL confirmed on Monday that enquiries are being made into the on-field incident. Adelaide also acknowledged the matter, stating they are in discussions with the league.
Rankine has been instrumental in Adelaide’s rise to top spot on the ladder, with the team securing a finals berth for the first time since 2017 after defeating the Magpies. The 25-year-old has averaged 20.5 disposals and kicked 31 goals this season.
If found guilty, Rankine faces a potential suspension that could see him miss finals matches. The AFL has imposed bans of three to five matches in recent years for similar offences, including a four-match suspension for West Coast’s Jack Graham last month and a five-match ban for Sydney’s Riak Andrew in the VFL.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson said the club will let the investigation run its course. Rankine has yet to play in an AFL final series, having joined the Crows from Gold Coast at the end of 2022.
