Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine will miss the 2026 AFL season opener after being handed a four-match suspension for a homophobic slur. The ban, which was imposed last August, means Rankine will not be available for selection until round five of the 2026 season.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks confirmed that Rankine has used the time away from football to grow as a person. “We go away and learn from things we don't get right,” Nicks said. “I think Izak has done a hell of a lot of work on what he's doing off-field. He's an incredible human — what he's doing on-field, the way he's going to hold himself.”
Rankine was suspended for comments made towards Collingwood's Isaac Quaynor during a match last August. The AFL described the language as “highly offensive” and “demeaning”. Nicks added that Rankine has developed into a leader during his suspension, saying, “We have added another leader … he's had input into everything.”
Meanwhile, the Sydney Swans are pleased with the impact of new recruit Charlie Curnow, despite his low goal tally. Curnow has kicked just three goals in two matches, but his presence has allowed teammates Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald to thrive. Amartey has eight goals for the season, while McDonald has chipped in with two.
Swans midfielder James Rowbottom praised Curnow's influence. “That's just what Charlie brings to the side. He's such a focal point, he allows the other boys to go about their business,” Rowbottom said.
In other news, Melbourne Demons vice-captain Jack Viney expressed confidence in the club's future under new coach Steven King. “Certainly, the belief that we are contenders is there, but the focus is on growth and development,” Viney said. He is recovering from an achilles injury and expects to resume running in the coming weeks.
