Overview

• Riak Andrew admitted using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur toward a North Melbourne opponent during a July 19 VFL game.
• His five-match ban applies to all remaining AFL home-and-away fixtures plus any VFL appearances this season.
• He will undertake mandated Pride in Sport education to address his conduct following full admissions, accompanied by a formal apology.
• The AFL Integrity Unit opened the investigation after a North Melbourne player reported the incident to an umpire at the end of the first quarter.
• This latest sanction builds on recent bans, including Jack Graham’s four-match suspension, as the league enforces a strengthened zero-tolerance policy on homophobic language.