Why the next player found guilty of a homophobic slur can expect a five-match ban

Adelaide acknowledged the seriousness of Rankine’s words and the need to eliminate homophobic language at all stages of the game, apologizing for the player’s behavior.

However, following the three-match ban of Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson in May 2024, they believed consistent enforcement of the rules was required rather than AFL threats to increase penalty time each time a player was infringed. Finlayson, Jack Graham and Wil Powell were each given three-, four- and five-match bans respectively for the same offense during the 16-month period before Rankine’s mistake.

Crows chairman John Olsen noted the need for consistency in high-level discussions with then Commission chairman Richard Goyder during the long period it took for a decision to be finalised.

When the AFL eventually banned Rankine for four matches, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said: “There will be gaps in where we ultimately end up because there will be certain circumstances in each case and those will have to be taken into account.” AFL officials privately acknowledged the Rankine process had taken too long.

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The AFL Players Association is keen to create a framework with clear guidelines on player suspensions. The AFL’s recently appointed chief operating officer Tom Harley is now in charge of integrity issues.

The AFLPA remains in discussions with the AFL about how such a framework would operate to ensure consistency and leaves discretion to reduce or extend the suspension depending on the circumstances.

Former Eagles player Mitch Brown was the first player to come forward when he came out as bisexual last year, but no AFL player has come out as gay while still playing.

Unlike the AFLW competition, which features many LGBTQIA+ players, there is no Pride in the men’s competition. St Kilda and Sydney Swans have a pride match every year.

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Rankine expressed regret in a podcast two weeks ago, saying “I’m sorry to anyone I’ve impacted or caused havoc, I never meant to do this.”

“You want to give up, you want to retire, you know depression and the thing is I was already dealing with those things through my family and the circumstances that were given to me,” Rankine said. Tommy Speaks podcast.

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers said following the ban that “this type of language is unacceptable and contradicts the values ​​of our organisation, and we are committed to being a club that promotes a respectful and inclusive environment”.

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