Adelaide's Izak Rankine is arguably the most watchable player in the competition.
His freakish goal-nous, defying game-breaking ability and his poise in the contest are just some of his attributes.
However, what is glossed over due to the constant highlight reel is the most "underestimated" element of Rankine's game, according to his assistant coach Jack Hombsch.
"His work-rate".
In front of the media on Monday following a club-defining victory on Saturday against the Giants at Adelaide Oval, Hombsch addressed the keen eyes and ears of those interested in Adelaide.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
And what they were treated with was an insight into the former Sun, whose move into the midfield has been one of few positives for Matthew Nicks in 2024.
“It's pretty clear he's a very important player for us, he works really hard and he's certainly someone we're very happy to have at our footy club,” Hombsch said according to the club's website.
“His ability to play forward and midfield for us gives us great flexibility and it allows him to show off his talent.
“I think the really underestimated thing (about Izak's game) is his workrate around the ground, it really sets him up to succeed out on the field.
“We've got a number of players that are really important for us, and Izak is certainly one of those.”
In his sixth season at the elite level, Rankine has more often than not teased both fans of the Gold Coast and Adelaide with his immense talent but struggled to string consistent, dominant performances together.
However, in 2024, it has become apparent that he's risen to the expectation of a former Pick 4 and exceeded it.
Statistic guru Champion Data offers "Player ratings points" as a measure of a player's influence on a particular game.
Up until Round 16, Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli is averaging 21.2 player rating points; Sydney's Isaac Heeney has a mean of 19.6; Collingwood's Nick Daicos is averaging 18.7 while Carlton captain Patrick Cripps is averaging 18.
These are the four favourites for the 2024 Brownlow.
As for Rankine, he sits nestled amongst the top performers of the season to date, averaging 17.7 player ratings points in his 12 outings.
The Crows are getting a lot more bang for their buck giving the 24-year-old more freedom to roam up the ground, attend centre bounces and utilise his skill and evasiveness to turn small opportunities into gold.
With Adelaide's season all but over, the remaining nine games for Nicks should be looking into new levers the club can pull in 2025.
Just like the Rankine shift.
