The Adelaide Crows LGBTQ+ supporter group, the Rainbow Crows, have publicly welcomed Izak Rankine’s return to AFL, following his suspension for homophobic language last season.
The independent supporter group shared the news on social media ahead of the AFL Men’s first home game this Friday.
They released their statement following multiple requests from media outlets.
The group wanted to affirm “the positive outcomes of the past 6 months” and that the group are “keen for the focus to be on Izak’s return and his exciting impact in the game on Friday night.”
In their statement, the Rainbow Crows said they wanted to highlight “a shared commitment to moving forward and continuing to build a more inclusive future.”
The organisation emphasised that “Rainbow Crows, Izak Rankine, and the Adelaide Football Club have progressed from last year’s events and are focused on the future with a positive outlook.”
Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine was given a four-match suspension last season for calling a Collingwood player a homophobic slur.
Rankine took some time and publicly apologised for what he said.
“It was wrong, and I take full responsibility,” the 25-year-old said.
“I am in no way a victim, but going away has given me a space to reflect and educate myself. To understand the weight of my mistake, and I fully commit to bettering myself in that area.”
Rankine meets with Rainbow Crows
“We believe it’s important to recognise that everyone has moved forward with a genuine commitment to learning and growth,” said Rainbow Crows Founder Brett.
“Our focus this week is on supporting Izak as he returns to playing his best football for the club and the game.”
Since the incident last September, Rankine initiated direct contact with the Rainbow Crows.
He met with the organisation’s founder for an open and respectful discussion about the events, their impact, and future actions.
“During this meeting, Rankine expressed a strong desire to build a meaningful relationship with the Rainbow Crows community and to use his platform to contribute to positive change within the club and across the game.” the statement said.
The Adelaide Football Club has also committed to a number of actions to strengthen inclusion and culture, including:
- Partnering with organisations such as Proud 2 Play and Pride in Sport to review its inclusion strategy
- Implementing mandatory inclusion education and training across all levels of the club
- Increasing engagement and activity during AFLW Pride Round
- Continuing to improve language, actions, and leadership in fostering an inclusive environment
“Further demonstrating this progress, Rankine attended the Rainbow Crows Season Launch in February,” the Rainbow Crows said.
“He engaged with members, participated in a Q&A panel alongside AFLW players Eloise Jones and Grace Egan, and connected with the community.”
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‘I’ll play my part as much as I can’
“I’m an open book right now. I just want to learn, understand, and create those connections with everyone and be more involved”, Rankine said.
“I’d love to be involved, get amongst it and do more throughout the year”
“It’s been a great experience with a lot of learning. There’s a great opportunity for the club, but also for the whole society.”
“If I can help provide awareness and use my platform, I’ll play my part as much as I can.”
The Adelaide Football Club has recently confirmed it will join Pride in Sport as a member and deliver face-to-face Pride in Sport training across all levels of the organisation before the end of the financial year.
“These actions represent meaningful progress, and we remain committed to continuing this work together,” Brett said.
“We’re excited to see Izak return this Friday night and look forward to supporting him and celebrating his contribution on the field.”
The Rainbow Crows have been nominated in the SA Pride Awards for their work in the categories of Community Group of the Year’ and ‘Sport and Recreation Award”.
Rainbow Crows’ President and Founder has been nominated for ‘Volunteer of the Year’.
Find out how you can vote in the SA Pride Awards here.
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