Delayed: AFL's unexpected move on Rankine's alleged homophobic slur

Adelaide’s Izak Rankine is facing an uncertain finals series after an alleged homophobic slur against Collingwood on Saturday night.

The AFL is investigating what the Crows star supposedly said with key officials now looking closely at the matter.

If Rankine is found guilty he could be suspended for multiple weeks which has his presence in Adelaide’s finals series in danger.

However, the AFL announced late on Tuesday afternoon they would delay any form of decision until Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, Tex Walker addressed the issue insisting his teammate was "remorseful" for his actions but that the playing group did not agree with what he did.

“He’s very remorseful and he understands that he’s made a mistake and he’ll accept whatever comes his way,” Walker said.

“He hasn’t been outside. He had a full day of investigation with the AFL yesterday.

“We will support Ranks, however we don’t agree with what happened.”

On Monday, Crows captain Jordan Dawson said it was a case of wait and see.

“Obviously it is not ideal but it is in the AFL’s hands. It is being investigated and we will see what happens,” he said.

“We will wait and see but we will leave it up to the AFL to go through what they have to.

Asked if there is a cultural problem in the AFL, Dawson said: “No, I don’t think so.”

West Coast’s Jack Graham copped a four-game ban for using a homophobic slur earlier this season 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.

The Crows have one home and away fixture against North Melbourne remaining before they embark on a first finals run since 2017. There are only four weeks of finals so a significant ban for Rankine could potentially end his season.

SEN’s Kane Cornes and David King discussed the matter and what a possible suspension might do to the Crows’ premiership hopes.

“This is the last thing this club needs. The importance of Izak Rankine to this group and their desire to win this year’s premiership,” Cornes said on SEN’s Fireball.

King outlined why Rankine’s possible absence will be critical to Adelaide’s flag hopes.

“Izak is not the reason they’ll win it from just a strictly football point of view,” said King.

“If they are to win it they’ll win it because behind the footy they are brilliant and bulletproof with (Josh) Worrell and (Mark) Keane being the best interceptors in the game

“They’ve got great leadership, they’ve got great organisation, they are in sync.

“But at this stage of the year you can’t have this rocking of the boat. And that’s what it will do. We’ve talked about suspensions in the past and there’s nothing worse.

“You can’t replace players of this talent and what they can do in a forward 50 stoppage or two just to swing the game back your way. He did it on the weekend, you could say he drew a free kick that wasn’t there but he’s still on the move and is still a threat.

“If he’s found guilty of what they’re investigating, then he will miss the season. What a blow it will be for Matthew Nicks who has done everything right to come from 15th to top off the table.

“A week out from finals it’s a devastating blow.”

Cornes added: “It really is.

“If they’re going to take the shortest path through to winning the premiership, there’s four games left.

“And if - it’s a big if - history would suggest that he’s done, particularly that these sanctions get more severe after they’ve had the education of those prior to them.

“That is one of the biggest stories of the year if this is found out to be guilty.”

Cornes was asked if the Crows still win the flag without Rankine?

“Yes. Two home finals in Adelaide, (Josh) Rachele back, I think they can,” here replied.

“But gee, it makes life difficult.”

SEN’s Sam Edmund provided an update on the matter with more to come out later on Monday.

“Unfortunately it’s a serious one,” Edmund said.

“This will all play out today where the AFL will investigate those allegations of a homophobic slur allegedly made by Rankine.

“The league’s Integrity Unit will today probe the comment made by Rankine, allegedly, towards a Collingwood defender.

“We’re not saying Rankine definitely made the comment, it’s just that the allegation is there. The AFL, Collingwood and Adelaide won’t comment this morning.

“Both clubs though were aware of the allegations after the game and talks between them and the league continued yesterday.

“These allegations could have a huge impact on Adelaide’s premiership hopes. If he’s found guilty Rankine would face a ban that would quite possibly wipe out the rest of his season.

“This is a pretty big story unfolding at the moment.”

The decision continues to be delayed, with the AFL set to push back the handing down of any punishment to Wednesday.