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7NEWS
7 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Adelaide write to AFL to explain what led to Izak Rankine's regrettable slur to Collingwood player
Adelaide star Izak Rankine's ban for using a homophobic slur won't be known until Wednesday. Rankine, the Crows and the AFL continued high-level talks over Rankine's fate on Tuesday. But 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed the Crows have thrown a late curveball into the investigation. 'All parties around this investigation thought it would be wrapped up by today (Tuesday), but there's been a late twist,' Cleary said on Tuesday night. 'Last night Adelaide entered a written submission to the AFL to try to have Rankine free to play this year. Now, on precedent, he would receive a five-match ban, which would ultimately end his 2025 season. 'But the Crows have moved to have that reduced by highlighting extenuating circumstances, which are believed to include the fact he was being targeted verbally by Collingwood players earlier in the game. 'Now the AFL carried out further interviews today ... so no outcome today on a decision that will shape the upcoming finals series. We are expected to have it by this time tomorrow, that's of course unless we get another late curveball.' The ladder-leading Crows have one home and away game remaining and will then host two finals. If the 25-year-old is suspended for four games, the Crows would need to lose a final en route to the grand final for Rankine to be available for the premiership decider. Rankine — who called the Collingwood player a f*****, will be the fourth player suspended since last April for directing a homophobic slur at an opponent during an AFL game. Last month, West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games after he admitted making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. Last year, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches and Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson banned for three games, both for homophobic slurs. Two VFL players have also recently been banned for homophobic slurs. Last month, Sydney defender Riak Andrew was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. While Collard's offence was during a VFL game, he was an AFL-listed player and, as such, bound by AFL rules Rankine's teammate Taylor Walker on Tuesday said the 25-year-old would accept any punishment from the AFL. 'I spoke to him last night on the phone and he's very remorseful,' former Crows captain Walker told Triple M radio. 'He understands that he has made a mistake and he'll accept whatever comes his way.' Walker said Rankine, regarded as among the league's most talented players, was 'antagonised week-in, week-out; things get said to him that probably shouldn't'. 'Unfortunately that's the situation,' said Walker, who stressed it didn't excuse Rankine's slur. 'It's a bit of fun trying to put your opposition off but you have got to be super, super critical and understanding of who they are and their background and their journey.'
The Australian
13 minutes ago
- The Australian
Taylor Duryea has announced his retirement
The list of active Hawthorn premiership players is down by one more after Taylor Duryea joined his former teammate Luke Breust in announcing his retirement. Duryea played in two flags with the Hawks before moving to the Western Bulldogs and has called time after 219 games for the two clubs. It leaves veteran goalkicker Jack Gunston and St Kilda star Brad Hill as the only remaining players from Hawthorn's three-peat of premierships in 2013-15. 'I am obviously proud of the team success I've been able to experience at both AFL and VFL level, but I think it's enduring adversity and overcoming challenges that have made my career so fulfilling,' Duryea said. 'Dealing with injury and form, signing eight one-year contracts or the change of clubs… I've always remained consistent in my approach to both the game and the people around me. 'I hope I can leave the game with an earned respect for not just my footy but for how I treated people. I have formed so many wonderful relationships that I'll forever be grateful for. 'I'm thankful to both Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs for believing in me. I hope I've been able to positively impact both clubs who placed faith and trust in me. 'I'm extremely proud to be a 100-game player at two clubs, that will forever hold a special place in my heart.' Duryea played in the 2014 and 2015 Hawthorn premierships before joining the Bulldogs for the 2019 season and played 101 games for the red, white, and blue, including the losing 2021 grand final. The 34-year-old has only played five games AFL games in 2025. ********************************************** Three-time premiership-winning Hawthorn star Luke Breust has announced his retirement, leaving teammate Jack Gunston and coach Sam Mitchell as the final active links to the club's unforgettable three-peat of grand final wins. Breust, 34, will wear the Hawthorn jumper for the 307th time in Saturday's MCG clash with Melbourne, elevating him to equal third on Hawthorn's all-time games-played list. It's a record he'll share with Mitchell, who was a teammate in three premiership wins and is now his coach, and one he could pass should he maintain his spot as the Hawks push to the finals. Breust is one of only nine Hawks to have played 300 or more games for the club and his 552 goals puts him seventh on Hawthorn's all-time goalkicker list. Hawks legends Jack Gunston, Sam Mitchell and Luke Breust. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images It brings to an end an epic career that started in the small NSW town of town Temora before he was picked up as an 18-year-old in the 2009 rookie draft. Bruest went on to play in premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as part of one of the most dominant teams of the modern era. Breust was also a two-time All-Australian and a five-team leading goalkicker at the Hawks. He also holds the AFL record for most games played by a rookie. 'Luke's accolades and achievements will see him remembered as one of Hawthorn's genuine greats – three-time premiership player, twice an All Australian, five times our leading goalkicker, 550-plus total career goals, 300-plus games – Punky has done it all,' Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney said. 'Whether it was hitting the scoreboard individually or bringing teammates into the game, Luke's ability to contribute consistently at a high level over such a long period of time has been one of his trademark attributes. Breust is one of Hawthorn's all-time greats. 'In recent years, his leadership, mentoring and guidance of our younger players has allowed both individuals and the team to improve. His legacy will be seen on game day for many years to come, particularly when you watch the skill and craft of our small forwards. 'In the future, Luke should sit in the stands and smile knowing he continues to be part of what we do.' Gunston, 33 who returned to the Hawks after a short-lived move to Brisbane, has kicked 53 goals in 2025 and is set to play on into 2026 as the final active player from the premiership three-peat.
7NEWS
36 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Wedding bells ring for Carlton superstar Charlie Curnow and Tiana Simic
The whirlwind romance between Carlton superstar Charlie Curnow and fashion stylist Tiana Simic has gone up a significant level with the couple announcing on social media that they are engaged. Both Curnow and Simic went public with the news on Tuesday, less than a year after turning heads on the red carpet at the Brownlow Medal. Last year's Brownlow was really the hard launch of their relationship. Prior to that, they had kept things low key after firing up a romance earlier in the year. Now, they are engaged, with Simic releasing a series of photos on her Instagram — including a blurry photo of her with the ring on her finger — with the caption, 'foreverrrrr <3 !!!!!!!!!!' The back arrow and the 3 is a keyboard shortcut for a love heart. Meanwhile, Curnow dropped the same photo in his Insta story. AFL stars such as Josh Daicos and Bailey Smith were among those to comment on the loved-up couple's exciting news. 'Congrats you two,' Daicos said, while his high-profile fiancée Annalise Dalins said: 'so so happy for you both 🥰 xx' It is a little bit of joy for Curnow who has had a challenging AFL season in 2025. The 28-year-old has only managed 32 goals this year from 18 games, well down on his usual output. Curnow is a two-time All-Australian and was the league's leading goalkicker in both 2022 and 2023. At the end of July, the club decided to conduct surgery on his knee and put him on ice for the rest of the season. 'While Charlie wanted to finish the season strongly, and we would have loved to have him out there for the remaining games, after further consultation this week it became clear that this would give Charlie the best chance to get himself right, recover fully over the off-season and be ready for when we return for the start of pre-season,' Carlton said at the time. 'Waiting until the end of the season could have impacted that, so we've taken the sensible approach. 'As we've seen in the back half of this season, we've been able to give opportunities to players who have been able to step up at senior level and show some real promise.'
