![\"Izak](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/a59831a24f05e18134b911b8f1b1414e.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nAdelaide ace Izak Rankine says he has come a long way as a person since his AFL ban for a homophobic slur.<\/p>\n
Rankine contemplated quitting the sport in the aftermath of his four-game suspension in August last year.<\/p>\n
At the time, Rankine did not leave his house for days while his sanction was being decided, before being sent overseas to avoid the proverbial spotlight.<\/p>\n
Now, he is relishing being back in a literal spotlight. Last night, the keen musician performed on stage with singer Guy Sebastian at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.<\/p>\n
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“I have come a long way, obviously,” Rankine told reporters on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
“But I feel like I’ve always been that sort of [outgoing] person.<\/p>\n
“And just to be able to show the world the sort of guy I am and, you know, show that anyone can sort of bounce back from anything.<\/p>\n
“No matter what you’re going through or what you’ve been through, you can always bounce back and be a better person.”<\/p>\n
Rankine said support from not just his family and football club was vital to emerging from his ban.<\/p>\n
“Obviously, being an Adelaide boy, I know how close and small Adelaide is, so I definitely feel the love,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Especially playing for such a big club, the community has got around me, and I have absolutely loved the support I have got.”<\/p>\n
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Izak Rankine says he is grateful for the support he received from Adelaide. (Getty Images\/AFL Photos: James Elsby)<\/p>\n
Rankine was suspended for a homophobic remark to Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor in an August 16 game last season.<\/p>\n
His four-match sanction ruled him out of Adelaide’s finals campaign (the minor premiers crashed out with consecutive home losses) and also this year’s season opener.<\/p>\n
On his return, the 26-year-old took time to rediscover his dynamic best.<\/p>\n