‘Waiting to explode’: Security boost for Crows-Pies final, Rankine’s overseas trip explained

Adelaide Oval security is set to be tightened when the Crows host Collingwood in next Thursday’s qualifying final, with tension bubbling in the fallout from Izak Rankine’s suspension.

Rankine has travelled overseas to be away from the media spotlight after being given a four-match due to a homophobic slur directed at a Magpies player in a the clubs’ clash in Adelaide a fortnight ago

The ugly saga dragged through the majority of last week as the Crows’ fought to reduce Rankine’s suspension, which was eventually lowered from five games to four due to “compelling medical submissions”.

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Part of Adelaide’s defence included claims Rankine was set off by a sledge from Collingwood’s Dan Houston referencing when he knocked out the Crow in last year’s Showdown, Reports also claimed Magpies players believed Rankine had made similar slurs in a previous game against them.

Meanwhile, the MCG is investigating a formal complaint made against a member of the crowd who allegedly directed multiple homophobic slurs at a Collingwood player in last Friday night’s clash with Melbourne.

And so ahead of what’s expected to be a fired up Adelaide Oval crowd, Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph reports there will be a “major boost” of security at the venue.

“This qualifying final is a powder keg waiting to explode,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.

“My understanding is there will be a major boost of security at Adelaide Oval. Adelaide Oval is refusing to comment on its security provisions, the AFL says it will take all precautions necessary.

“This game has the potential to go absolutely feral, with thousands of Collingwood fans going across for that game. And the authorities are well aware of it.”

Tigers champion Jack Riewoldt questioned if the AFL should be “worried” about this game given “things have bubbled over at Adelaide Oval before” with two “passionate” fan bases in attendance.

Collingwood great Nathan Buckley responded: “I think the supporter base are going to be on edge.

“If you haven’t already, people in Adelaide are going to want tickets to see this game. This is theatre at its best.

“It’s two sides that absolutely want to win and get that opportunity to get into a prelim.

“With the history, you can’t avoid it. You’ve got to embrace it and understand that’s coming.”

The minor premiers will also play their first final at Adelaide Oval since 2017, with Crows coach Matthew Nicks expecting an “emotional” sell-out crowd.

“The teams will go in and we’ll all just play our hearts out. I can’t talk about what you’ll get from the other side of the fence though,” Nicks said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

“When people don’t necessarily have all the information and the detail around it, there’s often a lot of different emotion that comes with that.

“I get a feeling Thursday night will be quite an emotional night for a lot of people, at least 50,000 odd.

“Though it wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of Collingwood fans are getting online trying to get tickets, because they do come with quite an army. It will be interesting how many of them do get over to SA.”

Ralph also revealed the decision to send Rankine to Italy was for the betterment of both the player and club to avoid a “circus” ahead of the Crows’ finals campaign.

“Adelaide knows the optics of him fleeing overseas for a training camp are ordinary,” Ralph added.

“But they’ve done so for two reasons. They know anywhere he trains within Australia in the next week or two, he will be followed by that same media glare he’s desperate to try and avoid. He wants a circuit breaker.

“They’re also keen to avoid what would be a circus with him training with the club as they try and lock in on a massive clash against Collingwood.

“He’s linked up with a connection of (fitness boss) Darren Burgess, who has those EPL links. This is a club with three live sides, they’re very keen to not take a member of their staff across to train with him.”

Nicks said he “spoke at length” with Rankine about what would be the most thing for his preparation in the event that he returns this season.

As Rankine still has three more matches from his suspension to serve, the only way he could play again this season is if Adelaide loses the qualifying final and makes the grand final.

“There’s a small chance there (Rankine returns), so we wanted to do whatever we felt would put him in the best position,” Nicks said.

“Keep in mind this is a guy who hadn’t left his house for five or six days over the last week. Media parked outside the front of his house constantly watching him and so on.

“Izak understands what he did was wrong and it was a mistake and he’s regretful for that. But we wanted to make sure if that small chance arrived, we set him up for success.

“He’s gone to a really high-level training facility overseas, because it allowed him to get the work done he needed. We know in the country here people are going to find him.

“He’ll be back before the guys play Thursday night. Because he wants to be there with the team and make sure he gets around them. And does whatever he can to try and help us get across the line.”