Izak Rankine is a man on a mission heading into the 2025 AFL season. The Adelaide Crows star, still just 24 years old, has his sights firmly set on not only playing a full campaign, but leading his club back to the promised land of finals football for the first time since 2017.
Rankine’s undeniable talent was on full display in 2024, as he soared to new individual heights. In his 15 appearances, the electric utility averaged 18 disposals and booted 29 goals, regularly bringing the Adelaide Oval crowd to their feet with his electrifying play.
However, as has too often been the case early in his career, Rankine’s upward trajectory was interrupted by injury setbacks. A hamstring strain suffered in Round 10 sidelined him for a month. Then, just as he was hitting top form, a controversial suspension for an off-ball bump that concussed Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich cost him more crucial games.
Rankine managed to return for the home stretch, only to cruelly suffer a concussion of his own in Round 23 from a high hit by Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston. Without their X-factor, the Crows stumbled to a 15th place finish with just 8 wins.
Driven By Determination
Rather than be discouraged by the frustrating end to 2024, Rankine has attacked this off-season with a renewed vigor and determination to realize his immense potential.
“This off-season has been massive for me. I took another step ahead and tried to push everyone and push myself. I’m trying to become more of a leader as well – talking to the younger boys and getting them prepared, that helps you get yourself prepared at the same time.”
– Izak Rankine
Rankine’s heightened leadership role has been evident in his actions. The dynamic youngster has often been spotted at the front of the pack during grueling fitness drills, determined to not only better himself but bring his teammates along on the journey.
Perhaps most encouragingly, Rankine looks to have taken the talented Sid Draper under his wing since the Crows selected the exciting junior with Pick 4 in the National Draft. Draper has consistently been matching motors with Rankine at training, with the pair forming a formidable one-two punch.
Consistency Is Key
For Rankine, the focus for 2025 can be summed up in one word – consistency. The 2-time Rising Star nominee is hell-bent on not only staying on the park, but performing at his awe-inspiring best on a weekly basis.
“I want to be consistent and play as many games as I can. With last year missing a few games due to suspension and injuries and things like that, I want to fix it up and just do everything I can to make sure I can play as many games as I can this year. That puts us in the best position to push for the finals.”
– Izak Rankine
If Rankine can indeed put his injury woes behind him and showcase his game-breaking abilities for a full season, there’s no doubt the Crows will take a quantum leap in 2025. But even with their marquee man firing, will it be enough to snap Adelaide’s seven-year finals drought, the second-longest active streak in the AFL behind North Melbourne?
Missing Pieces Falling Into Place
Rankine can’t do it alone, but the good news for long-suffering Crows fans is that the club’s patient rebuilding strategy finally looks ready to bear fruit. The star utility will have more help than ever in 2025, with several key pieces slotting into place around him.
Draper’s addition alongside fellow top draft pick Elijah Hewett gives the Crows the injection of elite young talent they have craved. With Rankine, the explosive Josh Rachele and the rapidly-improving Riley Thilthorpe, suddenly Adelaide has one of the most exciting young cores in the competition.
Down back, Luke Nankervis’ re-signing on a two-year extension was a major boost, locking in a pillar of the Crows’ future alongside fellow emerging defender Brayden Kemp. With the experienced Rory Laird and Brodie Smith still patrolling the backline and ruck lynchpin Reilly O’Brien in All-Australian form, Adelaide appear solid enough defensively to match it with the league’s best.
It All Starts Now
Of course, the Crows have teased their long-suffering faithful with false dawns before. Time and again, promising off-seasons have given way to middling results when the real stuff begins.
But there’s something different about Adelaide heading into this campaign. A quiet confidence, a steely resolve embodied by their ultra-talented young leader. For Rankine, simply treading water is no longer acceptable – it’s finals or bust in 2025.
One thing is certain – Rankine will have an early chance to set the tone for his and the Crows’ pivotal campaign. In a fitting honor, the dynamic gamechanger has been named in the 2025 Indigenous All-Stars team to face Richmond in the annual pre-season showcase.
Under the bright lights of the big stage, against the might of the back-to-back premiers, Rankine will have the opportunity to show the footy world why 2025 will be his and the Adelaide Crows’ year.
The Izak Rankine redemption tour starts now. And if the man himself has his way, it won’t end until that glorious last Saturday in September. Crows fans, buckle up – it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
