Adelaide Crows midfielder Izak Rankine has signed a two-year contract extension that sees him remain at the club till at least the end of 2027.
The 24-year-old has played 81 AFL games, starting his career at the Gold Coast after being selected as Pick 3 in the 2018 National Draft. Rankine debuted in 2020 and played 48 games for the Suns before joining the Crows through a trade ahead of the 2023 season.
Rankine has had a great 2024 season seeing him shift from the forward line into a more permanent midfield role. Rankine had a slight setback with a hamstring injury and has now undergoing a four-week ban, but in every game he has played this year he has been impactful.
The former Sun has been averaging 19 disposals and two goals a game this season and is known for his athleticism with his pace out of stoppages, slick ball movement and ability to have composure under pressure.
Rankine emphasised that he is enjoying his time at the Crows since moving back home less than two years ago.
โSince moving back home to Adelaide and playing for the Crows, I couldn't be happier,โ Rankine said.
โEveryone has really embraced me and we've got such a good bunch of people, the players, coaches and staff.
โThis season has definitely had its challenges but I know good things are ahead for us.โ
Crows list manager Justin Reid stated that Rankine is an impactful player for the club both on and off the field.
โIzak is an elite talent and he has taken his game to another level this season,โ Reid said.
โIn particular his ability to play up the ground and add another dimension to our midfield, and he is obviously an integral part of our team and future.โ
Rankine will likely play his 100th AFL game next year for the Crows, having now set his future with the club.
The future of former skipper Taylor Walker is not as certain, however, with recent reports raising further speculation on the Adelaide forward's potential desire to finish his career at another club.
Coach Matthew Nicks has shared his wish for Tex to continue with the Crows, saying โI would love Tex to play onโ.
But discussions onย SENSAย suggest Walker could be in his final stretch with the Crows, with the possibility of either hanging up the boots, or trying his luck at premiership success at a 2025 contender.
Kymbo on Texโs future (on the back of Matthew Nicks comments earlier today):
My assessment is there will be an announcement in the next couple of days that this will be his last couple of games.@CrowsNationSEN | @1629senSA
— Kymbo and the Rooch (@TheRunHomeSENSA) August 8, 2024
Victorian clubs Melbourne, Collingwood, Geelong and Essendon would fit as potential suitors for Walker should he succeed with any desire he may have to move on, all arguably one key forward away from competing in 2025, especially as Cat Tom Hawkins ends his playing career.
