Well, we’re back here again.
In the wake of Izak Rankine’s four-game suspension for a homophobic slur, there was a sense of a sport and broader culture with an opportunity for growth.
The handling of the scandal had been something of a fiasco from head office, but the broader vibe seemed to be something of a shift. This wouldn’t be tolerated. AFL players president Darcy Moore called it a “clear red line”.
Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor had been at the centre of the Rankine story, so when the two teams reunited for the first game of the AFL finals, there was an uneasy curiosity. Would we see flash points between the playing groups? Some kind of animus? It came from the other side of the fence as some Crows supporters booed the defender all Thursday night.
It was a grim reminder of how the issue was being received in sections of the wider community.
ABC AFL commentator Corbin Middlemas drove to the heart of the matter.
“I felt for the members of the LGBT community that are Adelaide Crows fans. Imagine you’ve got someone sitting beside you, jeering the guy who received a homophobic slur, that’s his biggest crime. It’s a shocking look for the game.”
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks was impressive as the Rankine story initially emerged. He was quick to make the point that while the club had the star player’s well-being front of mind, the coach was clear that Rankine “is not a victim here”.
How disappointing then to see such a meek reaction after this latest episode.
"It's not one for me to comment on," Nicks said. "But I am also sitting in a box, I'm not seeing or hearing any of that. I'm seeing a stadium that's rocking, which it should do for a final, but I'm not going to comment around that."
It reminded me of Adelaide club captain Jordan Dawson when asked at the start of this saga if the AFL had a broader issue with homophobia.
A sharp, short “no” was the reply.
And around and around we go. Making the same mistakes in new and different ways that feel depressingly familiar.
