Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Izak Rankine will lead the Adelaide Crows’ finals push after starring against the Gold Coast Suns at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. His performance came before Friday night’s road test against the second-placed Sydney Swans.
The Adelaide Crows sit fifth with an 11-6 record after winning five of their past six matches. Izak Rankine missed last year’s finals through suspension as the minor premiers suffered consecutive home defeats.
The tightening finals race also features the Greater Western Sydney Giants and Jake Stringer, who remain in contention for a top-eight position.
Izak Rankine Embraces Selfless Role
“He's been huge in the role he's played and he's embraced a team-first, selfless role,” Adelaide Crows vice-captain Ben Keays told reporters on Monday.
“He'll be so important for us, as will a lot guys going into that (finals) period.”
Izak Rankine’s ability to move between midfield and attack gives Matthew Nicks several options. He can create from stoppages, pressure defenders and move forward when the Adelaide Crows need a goal.
“Any team would prefer to be in that underdog spot, so hopefully we can stay in that mindset and keep that mentality going forward.”
Sydney Swans Present Finals Test
The Sydney Swans will enter Friday’s contest after losing to the Fremantle Dockers in a high-pressure top-of-the-table game. Ben Keays expects a similar level of intensity.
“It's just an exciting challenge to test ourselves against these top teams,” Ben Keays said.
The official Adelaide Crows match report recorded a 79-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns. Taylor Walker kicked five goals and will face the Sydney Swans needing one more to reach 700 in the AFL.
