DEEP DIVE: Can the AFL fix its homophobia problem?

Izak Rankine has become the most recent AFL player to receive a multi-week ban for using a slur on the field and it's igniting a bigger conversation about the culture of the AFL. So is the punishment enough?  And can the AFL be doing more to stamp out its homophobia and harassment problem?  In this deep dive, hack unpacks what's been happening on the field, and how the AFL could tackle this issue at a community level, before it makes it all the way up to the Grand Final. Guest:  Caitlin Bunker, Falcons VFLW captain and engagement director at Pride Cup Get the whole story from Hack: Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

An episode of the Hack podcast, hosted by Australian Broadcasting Corporation, titled "DEEP DIVE: Can the AFL fix its homophobia problem?" was published on August 22, 2025 and runs 15 minutes.

August 22, 2025 ·15m · Hack

Summary

Izak Rankine has become the most recent AFL player to receive a multi-week ban for using a slur on the field and it's igniting a bigger conversation about the culture of the AFL. So is the punishment enough?  And can the AFL be doing more to stamp out its homophobia and harassment problem?  In this deep dive, hack unpacks what's been happening on the field, and how the AFL could tackle this issue at a community level, before it makes it all the way up to the Grand Final. Guest:  Caitlin Bunker, Falcons VFLW captain and engagement director at Pride Cup Get the whole story from Hack: Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

Episode Description