First-year Swan cops five-match ban for homophobic slur

Justin Chadwick and Shayne Hope | July 23, 2025

Sydney defender Riak Andrew has been slapped with a five-match AFL suspension after being found guilty of using a homophobic slur while representing the Swans’ reserves team.

First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans’ VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday.

The AFL Integrity Unit investigated the matter after a North Melbourne player informed an umpire about it during the match.

The investigation found that Andrew used a highly offensive homophobic slur towards a North Melbourne opponent.

“In the course of the investigation, Andrew made full admissions and was remorseful and apologetic,” the AFL said in a statement.

As part of the five-match ban, Andrew will undertake Pride in Sport education.

“I am deeply sorry for the word that I used in Saturday’s game and any hurt that it has caused,” Andrew said in a statement.

“While I did not understand the full impact of the words I used at the time, I certainly do now, and have deep regret for my actions.

“This has impacted not only our club but the broader community, and for that I am truly sorry. I am committed to using this as an opportunity to learn and get better.”

Andrew’s slur came as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2.

The 20-year-old was taken with pick No.55 in last year’s draft and is yet to make his AFL debut.

Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side’s loss to GWS.

Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season.

“It is important that we continue to make clear that homophobia or homophobic language has no place in our game at any level or in the wider community for that matter,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said in a statement on Wednesday night.

“It is disappointing to be dealing with another incident and while we will always examine the individual circumstances, the clear message is that this language is not acceptable in any workplace and that includes on the field of play”