AFL set to investigate one of the league's biggest stars for shocking alleged homophobic slur during match

The AFL is likely to investigate Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine for an alleged homophobic slur during his team's match against Collingwood on Saturday night.

Several news outlets reported that officials were alerted to the alleged on-field comment on Sunday.

If a league investigation was to find him guilty of misconduct and he was suspended, it would be a significant blow to Adelaide's finals campaign.

There was no official confirmation from the AFL or either club as of late Sunday night that there had been an alleged incident.

Rankine has been a key player for the Crows this season, with the former Gold Coast player amassing 31 goals for the year - his second-highest goal tally ever.

Rankine has enjoyed a stand-out season so far, posting some career-high numbers, including a career-best 30 disposals during his side's Round Three clash against North Melbourne. 

Rankine’s prolific goal-scoring form has helped lift the Crows to the top of the ladder in recent months, with Matthew Nicks’ side a hot favourite to claim the 2025 minor premiership.

He joined the Crows back in 2022, after having spent four seasons with the Gold Coast Suns.

The South Australian impressed straight away, utilising his fast footwork to finish the 2023 season with 36 goals in 20 games - a season-best tally.

The Daily Mail has contacted both the AFL and the Crows for comment and does not suggest Rankine engaged in any wrongdoing.

The development comes as Riak Andrew is also understood to be facing a lengthy suspension after he was cited by the league for using a homophobic slur earlier this year.

Jack Graham of the West Coast was suspended for four matches for also using a homophobic slur during a game against GWS.

It comes as Wil Powell copped a five-match ban, while Jeremy Finlayson also received a three-match ban relating to incidents that took place in 2024.