Izak Rankine Suspension: Gay Footy Player Michael O’Donnell on Homophobia in the AFL

AFL star Izak Rankine has been suspended after a homophobic slur, the fourth such incident in the league in just two years.

AFL star Izak Rankine has been suspended after a homophobic slur, the fourth such incident in the league in just two years. But what’s it really like to be gay in Aussie rules? Michael O’Donnell quit the game as a teenager because he didn’t see a place for himself. Years later, he returned, won premierships, and even stopped a match to call out abuse. In this episode, he shares his story and what needs to change in footy.

For more, head to news.com.au

AFL star Izak Rankine has been suspended after a homophobic slur, the fourth such incident in the league in just two years. But what&rsquo;s it really like to be gay in Aussie rules? Michael O&rsquo;Donnell quit the game as a teenager because he didn&rsquo;t see a place for himself. Years later, he returned, won premierships, and even stopped a match to call out abuse. In this episode, he shares his story and what needs to change in footy.
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Because the news should not be boring. The best stories, told by the world's best journos - right from our newsroom at news.com.au. Hosted by Andrew Bucklow. New episodes weekly and you can also watch on the news.com.au YouTube.

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Because the news should not be boring. The best stories, told by the world's best journos - right from our newsroom at<a href="http://news.com.au"> news.com.au</a>. Hosted by Andrew Bucklow. New episodes weekly and you can also watch on the <a href="http://News.com.au">news.com.au</a> YouTube. Find more of the world's best stories at<a href="http://news.com.au"> news.com.au</a>, on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWWry0cgjWi9C0Ye9sh6og"> YouTube</a> or join our WhatsApp channel - just look for<a href="http://news.com.au"> news.com.au</a> and hit follow.

Footy, Homophobia and the Fight for Change 21/08/25

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/55a7bc9a-c80c-4af5-a152-b33f002145ac/transcript