Riak Andrew to be banned for using a homophobic slur
Another AFL player is in hot water for using a homophobic slur, with young Swan Riak Andrew – brother of Suns star Mac – set to face the music from the AFL Integrity Unit.
Swans defender Riak Andrew is set to face punishment from the AFL Integrity Unit after being cited for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match.
Andrew, 20, was drafted to the club at the end of last season and is yet to make an AFL appearance after spending most of the year on the sidelines through a shoulder injury.
He has only played five VFL matches since his return, playing in defence where he enjoyed a strong year in 2024 for the Dandenong Stingrays, but is now likely to cop a suspension for his actions.
In a statement, the Swans confirmed that Andrew was cited for using a “homophobic slur” during Saturday’s VFL match against North Melbourne. The game, which was just the Swans’ third win in the VFL all season, has now been marred by the incident.
The AFL Integrity Unit is now investigating the matter.
The club also stated that Andrew “understands the language he used is unacceptable, is remorseful and takes full responsibility”, while Swans CEO Tom Harley expressed his dismay at the 20-year-old’s actions.
“This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,” Harley said.
“While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words.”
The Swans are also just a fortnight away from hosting their Pride Game against Essendon, which will see their AFL players wear guernseys incorporating the progress pride flag colours.
Andrew is the younger brother of Gold Coast Suns defender Mac and was taken by the Swans with pick 55 of last year’s draft.
The AFL has already shown that it will hand out heavy suspensions for players who have used homophobic slurs during matches.
Most recently, West Coast’s Jack Graham was handed a four-match suspension after he self-reported using a slur in their game against the Giants earlier this month.
Gold Coast defender Will Powell served a five-match ban last season, while Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson served a three-match ban.
In the VFL, St Kilda’s Lance Collard received a six-match suspension last year for “highly offensive” slurs towards two Williamstown players.
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