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West Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
West Coast Eagles cop death-by-a-thousand-cuts defeat to Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval
West Coast's house of horror has dished up a new kind of pain. Port Adelaide cut them a thousand times in their nail-biting 26-point defeat at Adelaide Oval on Sunday evening, reeling in a lead the Eagles had held for almost all of the first three quarters. The 12.15 (87) to 9.7 (61) defeat sits among the one-win club's best performances under the watch of new coach Andrew McQualter. The Eagles arrested their dreadful run of thrashings at the venue, but their winless run in Adelaide extends to 11. They did, however, turn around a trend of poor starts by putting up a six-goal opening term that gave them their game-high lead of 25 points. West Coast went goalless in the final term and had five put on them by the Power to seal the result. The fighting defeat comes after the Eagles' preparation was plunged into chaos by news midfield leader Jack Graham had been slapped with a four-match ban for using a homophobic slur in their loss to Greater Western Sydney more than a week ago. Liam Ryan was then pulled out of the side with soreness. The first term was the Eagles' best of their entire rebuild, their highest score since the fourth round of 2021. They tackled ferociously and brought a heat Port Adelaide couldn't stand. Then they used the ball with precision to cash in on turnover after turnover. Coleman Medal bolter Mitch Georgiades made the most of a ground-ball and kicked the first goal of the game. It was a here-we-go-again moment fast dispelled by Bailey Williams' lead-up clunk and goal. A Brandon Zerk-Thatcher turnover on the last line gifted Tyrell Dewar a set shot and the Eagles launched a run where they kicked five of the next six goals. When Harley Reid put them 19 points ahead after half-an-hour, he held his hand to a mute Adelaide Oval hill. Port Adelaide's disposal out of the back half was woeful in the early stages and the pressure from West Coast's forwards — including Liam Baker — made their bad kickers kick. It was tested further by the conditions. On the other hand, the Eagles were under a clear directive from Andrew McQualter to lower their eyes and hit short kicks to uncontested marks in a radical change from their method so far this season. Baker was deployed as a half-forward with an eye on Connor Rozee. He kept the Power skipper to 13 first-half touches and had 12 of his own. Half of them resulted in scores, including a second-quarter goal where he won a ground ball and then touches it three more times in a handball chain he finished with a clever snap. Zak Butters was the class saving an otherwise sloppy Port Adelaide start. After 14 touches in the first term Brady Hough was set on him, but Jason Horne-Francis joined in during a blast right before the main break where he went head-to-head with Reid and wrestled them back into the game. Those two combined for the first goal of the second half and closed the margin to five points. Butters went on to have 38 touches in a dominant display. Port Adelaide played with their food for the rest of a dour second term. They enjoyed a reprieve from the stifling Eagles pressure of the early stages, but kicked 2.6. Georgiades had Reuben Ginbey on toast twice, but dropped chest marks and hit the post in a period where he could have brushed past the Eagles. It was a swing in the game that started on the back of the Power's clearance dominance at the end of the second and continued through the third. Joe Richards burnt a teammate to blaze away at an open goal and his behind levelled the scores. But they still hadn't fetched back the lead. Harry Edwards saved the blushes of less polished teammates and gave Ginbey a valuable chop-out in his tangle with Georgiades with 10 marks. His vice-like hands were only met by third-game sensation Jobe Shanahan. The forward took a pack grab out in the hands — a move already becoming his trademark — and gave the Eagles their second goal of the quarter. The lead sat at an even goal at the final change after Richards shanked Port's sixth behind of the quarter. Baker was relieved of his sitting duties on Rozee when he was substituted out of the game with a hand injury. Noah Long replaced Malakai Champion moments later. The tidal wave of repeat entries broke the Eagles when Darcy Byrne-Jones' second goal put the hosts in front for the first time since the opening minutes. The Eagles thought they were off the hook when Travis Boak fired a shot wide, but the umpire paid a throw against Harley Reid and the veteran converted. Then Horne-Francis dribbled one through the legs of Harry Edwards from an unlikely angle and celebrated by sparking a melee. Georgiades' third goal for the game — kicked on Edwards after the Eagles switched up the match-up — was the dagger and Horne-Francis' hat-trick was the icing. Reid's 26-disposal and one-goal show was among his best for the year, but it wasn't any less fiery. He gave up six free kicks in a tempestuous midfield battle. Richmond's upset victory over Essendon on Saturday night leaves the Eagles xx games adrift at the bottom of the ladder. WEST COAST 6.3 7.5 9.6 9.7 (61) PORT ADELAIDE 2.2 5.6 7.12 12.15 (87)Goals - WEST COAST: J Williams 2 H Reid B Williams M Flynn T Brockman T Dewar L Baker J Shanahan . PORT ADELAIDE: M Georgiades 3 J Horne-Francis 3 J Richards 2 D Byrne-Jones 2 M Bergman T BoakBest - WEST COAST: H Edwards L Baker H Reid J Shanahan L Duggan M Owies. PORT ADELAIDE: Z Butters J Horne-Francis M Georgiades A Aliir J - PORT ADELAIDE: C Rozee (hand)Umpires: L Haussen T Bryce C Fleer E Tee. Crowd: 30,553 at Adelaide Oval.
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
West Coast footballer banned for ‘highly offensive' slur
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has admitted to using a 'highly offensive' homophobic slur during his team's loss to the Giants. The AFL on Sunday handed down a four-match suspension. According to the football club, Graham informed team official he had said the offensive comment during the Giants' 59-point loss at Optus Stadium on Friday, July 5. The AFL said in a statement the club then notified the league about the incident on Monday. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The 27-year-old is in breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a), Conduct Unbecoming, with Graham self-reporting to the Eagles before the league were made aware on Friday morning. It has been reported it occurred during the second quarter of the match. According to the AFL, Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which 'demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality'. Channel 7's Mitch Cleary reported Graham's comment was one singular word. Graham has apologised privately to the unnamed Giants player his slur was directed towards. The AFL said Graham had also made an apology to chief executive Andrew Dillon. Jack Graham and his Eagles. Photo by. The two-time Richmond premiership player — who is now a part of West Coast's leadership group — will undertake Pride in Sport education as a result of his actions. 'I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,' Graham said via a West Coast club statement. 'I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment. 'What I said does not reflect my values or our Club values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward.' Eagles chief executive Don Pyke added: 'The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and Club values. 'Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation. 'With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL. 'Jack personally called AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to apologise and has taken full responsibility and accepted the sanction that has been handed down. Jack Graham of the Eagles. Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images. Given his four-game ban, Graham has been withdrawn from Sunday evening's clash against Port Adelaide. After initially being omitted, young ruck Jack Williams replaces him and holds his place in the side. Graham is the fourth AFL player in 16 months to be suspended for the use of a homophobic slur, with Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson, Gold Coast's Wil Powell and St Kilda's Lance Collard each receiving suspensions between four and six weeks. 'Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever.' AFL Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane said in the AFL's own statement. 'The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community. We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all. 'The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses. Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate.' Originally published as West Coast footballer banned for 'highly offensive' slur
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
West Coast's Jack Graham banned over homophobic slur
West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. The league said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. The league said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will also have to undertake Pride in Sport education. "I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game," Graham said in a club statement. "I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment. "What I said does not reflect my values or our club values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL head of integrity and security Tony Keane said: "The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community. "We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate." The Graham incident comes after three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. The league said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. The league said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will also have to undertake Pride in Sport education. "I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game," Graham said in a club statement. "I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment. "What I said does not reflect my values or our club values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL head of integrity and security Tony Keane said: "The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community. "We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate." The Graham incident comes after three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. The league said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. The league said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will also have to undertake Pride in Sport education. "I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game," Graham said in a club statement. "I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment. "What I said does not reflect my values or our club values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL head of integrity and security Tony Keane said: "The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community. "We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate." The Graham incident comes after three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jack Graham suspended for homophobic slur but why the Eagle midfielder chose to self-report
West Coast Eagles midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended for four matches by the AFL after admitting to using a homophobic slur against a Greater Western Sydney ( GWS ) opponent on July 4. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Eagles' Round 17 game against the Giants at Optus Stadium, Perth. The AFL and the club described the incident as 'highly offensive' and 'completely unacceptable.' Graham voluntarily informed the Eagles about his use of offensive language. The club then reported the matter to the AFL's Integrity Unit for an investigation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo Reduced suspension The AFL said the suspension could have been longer if Graham hadn't taken accountability and self-reported the incident. In its official statement, the AFL condemned the remark, stating that it 'demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality.' The league reiterated that homophobia has no place in the sport or the wider community. Live Events As part of his penalty, Graham will also undergo education through the Pride in Sport program . Graham issued a public apology, saying, 'I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game. I made a mistake and need to be better. I will prove that through my actions going forward.' He also personally apologized to the GWS player involved, the Giants club, and directly to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. Why did he choose to come forward? The 27-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Richmond, said he took full responsibility for his behavior. His decision to report himself may have two reasons: self-accountability and personal ethics to acknowledge wrongdoing and face the consequences, or it may also align with the AFL's recent push to encourage accountability and uphold respect and inclusion within the game. Club and AFL respond West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke said the club was 'very disappointed' by Graham's conduct. 'The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and club values,' Pyke stated. AFL Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane added, 'Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting. This incident shows there is still more to be done to make our game safe and inclusive for all.' Graham will miss the Eagles' next four matches, including clashes against Port Adelaide, his former club Richmond, Fremantle, and Melbourne. He will not be eligible to play at any level of football during the suspension. The AFL has made clear it will continue to review each case individually, but it hopes incidents like this reinforce the importance of respect, accountability, and inclusion in Australian football.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
West Coast footballer banned for ‘highly offensive' slur
West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has admitted to using a 'highly offensive' homophobic slur during his team's loss to the Giants. The AFL on Sunday handed down a four-match suspension. According to the football club, Graham informed team official he had said the offensive comment during the Giants' 59-point loss at Optus Stadium on Friday, July 5. The AFL said in a statement the club then notified the league about the incident on Monday. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The 27-year-old is in breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a), Conduct Unbecoming, with Graham self-reporting to the Eagles before the league were made aware on Friday morning. It has been reported it occurred during the second quarter of the match. According to the AFL, Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which 'demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality'. Graham has apologised privately to the unnamed Giants player his slur was directed towards. The AFL said Graham had also made an apology to chief executive Andrew Dillon. The two-time Richmond premiership player — who is now a part of West Coast's leadership group — will undertake Pride in Sport education as a result of his actions. 'I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,' Graham said via a West Coast club statement. 'I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment. 'What I said does not reflect my values or our Club values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward.' Eagles chief executive Don Pyke added: 'The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and Club values. 'Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation. 'With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL. 'Jack personally called AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to apologise and has taken full responsibility and accepted the sanction that has been handed down. Given his four-game ban, Graham has been withdrawn from Sunday evening's clash against Port Adelaide. After initially being omitted, young ruck Jack Williams replaces him and holds his place in the side. Graham is the fourth AFL player in 16 months to be suspended for the use of a homophobic slur, with Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson, Gold Coast's Wil Powell and St Kilda's Lance Collard each receiving suspensions between four and six weeks. 'Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever.' AFL Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane said in the AFL's own statement. 'The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community. We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all. 'The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses. Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate.'
