The AFL is investigating an alleged homophobic slur by Adelaide star Izak Rankine.
After several similar incidents throughout the season, the Crows and Rankine are bracing for a possible suspension.
With Adelaide sitting in first place headed into the final round of the regular season, any sanction will likely have significant ramifications on their premiership chances.
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What did Izak Rankine say?
According to a Herald Sun report, Rankine is alleged to have called a Collingwood opponent a "f****t".
It's also claimed in the article that Rankine did not self-report, although Adelaide are expected to argue there were extenuating circumstances which led to the incident.
If Rankine is found to have used the slur, a ban of four matches is just about the least he can expect, given the precedent set be recent similar incidents.
West Coast's Jack Graham was hit with a four-match ban last month, although his self-reporting of the matter was believed to have been considered a mitigating factor in the sanction.
In the VFL, Riak Andrew from Sydney was banned for five matches after he was found to have used a homophobic slur just a week after Graham was suspended.
Generally speaking, punishments have increased in severity over the past two years, with the AFL pointing to the prior examples as justification for more harsh suspensions.
The Crows face North Melbourne on Saturday before a qualifying final at Adelaide Oval to kick off their post-season.
AFL suspensions for use of homophobic language
- Riak Andrew (Sydney) - 5 matches - July 23, 2025
- Jack Graham (West Coast) - 4 matches - July 13, 2025
- Lance Collard (St Kilda) - 6 matches - July 16, 2024
- Wil Powell (Gold Coast) - 5 matches - May 8, 2024
- Jeremy Finlayson (Port Adelaide) - 3 matches - April 9, 2024