Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

The role of Izak Rankine Adelaide Crows star has become a major talking point as the club struggles with a 1-3 start to the season. North Melbourne Kangaroos dual premiership hero David King expressed his confusion over why the dangerous playmaker is being kept out of the engine room. The Adelaide Crows finished as minor premiers last year but are currently failing to find their rhythm ahead of a massive Gather Round clash against the Carlton Blues. If the form of their star player does not improve soon, experts believe the pressure on the coaching staff will reach a breaking point.

The Adelaide Crows have a history of high expectations, and their current position on the ladder is a far cry from their 2025 success. Matthew Nicks is now under the microscope for his tactical choices, specifically regarding how he uses his most creative talents. Fans are heading into Thursday night with a mix of anxiety and hope, looking for a return to the dominant style seen last year.

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Tactical Analysis of the Midfield Shift

Statistics show a startling drop in the amount of time Izak Rankine is spending at center bounces this season. Out of 79 center ball-ups for the Adelaide Crows so far, the star has only attended 16 of them. He was given zero on-ball time during the match against the Geelong Cats in Round 3, which has left many observers scratching their heads. David King noted that other teams like the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Demons have found success by moving their best small forwards into the middle more often.

The drop in midfield minutes has resulted in a clear decline in the output for the Adelaide Crows playmaker. He is currently averaging only 12 disposals per game, which is a massive fall from the 21 he averaged during his career-best 2025 season. His contested possessions and score involvements have also halved, making him a much less dangerous threat to the opposition. While he has spent more time closer to the goals, he has only managed to boot three majors in his three appearances this year.

David King Questions Team Strategy

David King was vocal about his frustrations during a recent appearance on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. He argued that the Adelaide Crows possess a "vanilla" midfield when their most dynamic player is stuck in the forward pocket. King believes the club is making a mistake by prioritizing other players over someone with match-winning potential. He urged the coaching staff to put the ball in the hands of their most gifted runner to change the flow of the game.

“I don’t know what’s going … If the player has got an issue, don’t play him. But if he’s right to go, you’ve got to release the brakes,” King told Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. “I don’t understand the use of him at the moment of pretty much as a forward. I don’t understand him not going in at centre bounces. I just feel like they’ve prioritised (Josh) Rachele over Rankine – and Rachele’s going OK, but he’s not Izak Rankine. Izak has the capability of being the best player in the competition.”

Mounting Pressure on Matthew Nicks

The lack of results is starting to create an uneasy atmosphere in South Australia. Leigh Montagna, a dual All-Australian for the St Kilda Saints, joined King in calling for a change in strategy before the season slips away. He suggested that even if there are minor fitness concerns, starting Izak Rankine in the middle provides a better chance for success. The Official AFL Website currently shows the Adelaide Crows sitting outside the top eight, a position that will not satisfy the local supporters.

King warned that the city of Adelaide is ready to turn on Matthew Nicks if the team does not start rolling again soon. “You’ve got to set him up to succeed, not orchestrate his demise,” King said during the broadcast. He believes the "alarm bells" will continue to ring until the club finds a way to let their star dominate matches as he did in the past. Thursday night against the Carlton Blues represents a perfect opportunity for the Adelaide Crows to prove they can still compete with the best.