Overview

• Rankine departed Adelaide on Friday on club-approved leave and flew to Europe, transiting Italy, to keep training during the pre-finals bye.
• The AFL confirmed a four-match suspension for directing a homophobic slur in round 23 and required additional Pride in Sport education.
• AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said a reported five-game penalty was reduced after compelling medical submissions focused on Rankine’s mental health.
• Under the suspension, he would be available this season only if Adelaide lose their qualifying final and later reach the grand final.
• In his absence, the Crows defeated North Melbourne by 13 points to secure the minor premiership, with James Peatling, Billy Dowling, Riley Thilthorpe and Ben Keays sharing the scoring load.