AFL bans Riak Andrew for homophobic slur during VFL match
Young Sydney Swans defender Riak Andrew has been suspended for five games by the AFL following a serious misconduct charge stemming from a homophobic slur used in a VFL match against North Melbourne.
The incident, which occurred during the first quarter at Tramway Oval, was reported by a North Melbourne player to the umpire. The matter was later escalated to the AFL Integrity Unit. After investigation, the league found Andrew guilty of breaching the Conduct Unbecoming rule.
“I am deeply sorry for the word that I used in Saturday’s game and any hurt that it has caused,” said Andrew, taking full responsibility. “This has impacted not only our club but the broader community and for that I am truly sorry.”
Andrew accepts full responsibility and undergoes AFL Pride in Sport education
The 20-year-old, who was drafted with pick 55 in the 2024 AFL Draft, expressed deep regret over his actions. He stated he was unaware of the full weight of the slur at the time but has since come to understand its harm.
“While I did not understand the full impact of the words I used at the time, I certainly do now,” Andrew said. He added that the experience would serve as an opportunity for growth and learning.
The Swans confirmed he will undergo Pride in Sport training. This education aims to help players understand how language affects LGBTQ+ people within and beyond the game.
Stephen Meade, AFL General Counsel, reinforced the league’s stance: “Homophobia or homophobic language has no place in our game at any level or in the wider community for that matter.”
AFL reaffirms zero-tolerance policy as suspension ends Andrew’s debut season
Riak Andrew is in his first year in the AFL system. The five-match suspension will effectively sideline him for the rest of the season. Though a setback, the club and the player appear aligned on using the incident as a moment for reflection and reform.
Andrew is the younger brother of Gold Coast Suns player Mac Andrew. He impressed in his junior year with the Dandenong Stingrays and later signed a contract extension with the Swans, securing his position until the end of the 2026 season.
The AFL Integrity Unit deemed the slur “highly offensive” and stressed it was “demeaning and denigrating regardless of sexuality.”
As the sport continues its campaign for inclusivity, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that words matter—and accountability follows.
