Izak Rankine’s season is over, according to Channel Nine presenter Eddie McGuire.
Rankine has been under investigation since Monday for allegedly directing a homophobic slur at a Collingwood opponent on the weekend.
The former Collingwood president revealed on Footy Classified on Tuesday night that the Crows’ star is set to be suspended for five weeks, ruling him out for the rest of the season, even if Adelaide qualify for the Grand Final.
“Tonight I can tell you Izak Rankine’s season is over,” McGuire said.
MORE: ‘He will never live with himself:’ AFL great’s blunt call on Adelaide's Izak Rankine
“Tonight the AFL will send a letter to the Adelaide Football Club… and 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 the sanction, and try and get it reduced because they could argue that it is manifestly unjust.
“They will have the next 24 hours, or 12 hours at least, to decide whether or not they mount an appeal.”
"Tonight I can tell you Izak Rankine's season is OVER." ⚠️
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) August 19, 2025
Eddie McGuire tells Footy Classified the Crows star is set to be suspended for five matches – ending his hopes of playing in finals.#9FootyClassified | Watch on Nine & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/6dNMAb05W3
It was reported on Tuesday afternoon that the AFL were going to continue to investigate into Wednesday, but McGuire understands a decision has already been reached.
It is now expected the AFL will officially announce the ban themselves at some point on Wednesday.
Rankine's supposed sanction falls in line with that of Sydney's Riak Andrew, who was the most recent player to be rubbed out for a homophobic slur.
Rankine becomes the sixth player in the last two years to be suspended for using a homophobic slur, and while he has the chance to appeal, doing so would make him the first player to exercise such a right under the circumstances.
It had been reported that Adelaide had been arguing for a lighter sanction, due to Rankine's remorse after he was reported to have apologised to the alleged victim on Sunday night.
In addition, the Crows had suggested Rankine had been "provoked" and "taunted" in a verbal exchange with Magpie Dan Houston, according to Channel Seven's Mitch Cleary.
The Crows entered a written submission to the AFL, highlighting a number of "extenuating circumstances" that they feel should let Izak Rankine play football again this year, per Mitch Cleary. pic.twitter.com/UiE2YLLWrZ
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 19, 2025