Source : ABC NEWS
Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks says Izak Rankine has grown as a person since serving a four-match ban for a homophobic slur.
Rankine will play his first match in seven months when the Crows host the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
The 25-year-old was suspended for comments he made towards Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor in a home-and-away match last August.
At the time, the AFL said Rankine had used “a highly offensive homophobic slur … language that demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality”.
Nicks said Rankine had worked on improving himself while suspended and learned a great deal about leadership, both on and off the field.
“We go away and learn from things we don’t get right,” Nicks said.
“I think Izak has done a hell of a lot of work on what he’s doing off-field. He’s an incredible human — what he’s doing on-field, the way he’s going to hold himself.
“I am really confident on what you’re going to see from him.”
Nicks added: “He has done right throughout pre-season.
“So, we have added another leader … he’s had input into everything.”
Swans back ‘focal point’ Curnow
The Sydney Swans are less focused on Charlie Curnow’s low goal-kicking output, instead relishing how the star recruit helps the rest of their attack fire.
The Swans passed 100 points in each of their first two matches against Carlton and Brisbane, with 29-year-old Curnow kicking just three of their 35 goals.
Charlie Curnow made his Sydney debut against his former club Carlton in Opening Round. (Getty Images: Matt King)
The former Carlton spearhead was kept goalless by Ryan Lester against Brisbane, but his presence has clearly benefited fellow talls Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald.
Amartey kicked five goals against Brisbane and now has eight for the season, while McDonald chipped in with two against the Lions.
“That’s just what Charlie brings to the side,” Swans midfielder James Rowbottom said.
“He’s such a focal point, he allows the other boys to go about their business.
“They are amazing in their own right, doing what they do, and we’re seeing that in the first couple of weeks.”
The Swans hit the road for the first time this season when they take on Hawthorn at the MCG on Thursday.
Viney buoyed by Dees’ hot start
Injured Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney said he was excited to be a part of the club’s new era under first-year coach Steven King.
The Demons marked King’s debut as coach with a thrilling 13-point win over St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday.
The Demons began their season with a rousing victory over the Saints. (AAP: James Ross)
“We’ve got young players and a new coach, and trying to find what we’re capable of is where we’re at the moment,” Viney said.
“Where that ends up in terms of wins and losses, it’s hard to say at this stage.
“Certainly, the belief that we are contenders is there, but the focus is on growth and development and trying to squeeze every bit of potential out of Kingy and his game style.”
Viney will resume running over the next fortnight as he ramps up his rehabilitation from an achilles tendon injury.
AAP/ABC
