Izak Rankine

Inside the Crows' $4m Rankine coup... and how a trade with the Suns gets done.

After playing a small role in last year’s draft – they only selected Mac Andrew (Pick 5) and Charlie Constable (Pick 63) – the Suns are loaded with selections this year. The Suns will almost certainly ask that Pick 5 be part of the deal – and it wouldn’t surprise if they also asked for another first-rounder to be involved, considering Rankine was, firstly, a first-round draftee himself and, secondly, a brilliant goalsneak that showed more than glimpses in 2022. They have their natural first-round selection (Pick 7), three second-round picks and two third-rounders, so those extra picks might prove handy in sweetening a deal with the Crows should they have high-demands. But considering Gold Coast will be desperate for fair compensation for losing such a highly-talented player, there’s no way Rankine is left in limbo post-trade period. Darcy Fogarty had a career-best season in 2022, Shane McAdam scratched the surface and Josh Rachele showed glimpses of why he was taken with Pick 6 in last year’s draft. The Suns began their pleas for Rankine to stay. And after Rankine turned down Essendon‘s offer - reportedly a five-year deal at around $800,000 per season - most expected the process of putting pen to paper at the Suns was a fait accompli. Gold Coast had already seen Ben King and Jack Lukosius – who, like Rankine, were taken by the Suns with top 10 picks in the 2018 draft – wave off interstate interest and sign new deals. Although they’re going to have to cough up decent compensation, both financially and at the trade table, to get it over the line. In fact the Herald Sun reported Rankine’s Gold Coast contract was “effectively signed and sealed”, with only haggling over whether he’d sign for two or four seasons holding up an announcement. It was during that period where Rankine’s heart and mind changed – and Adelaide’s $4 million, five-year offer came. The Bombers’ offer didn’t turn Rankine’s head, but the Crows’ one did.

Dynamic forward Izak Rankine has told the Gold Coast Suns he wants to be traded to the Adelaide Crows, who have offered him a long-term deal worth about $4 ...

[Jon Pierik](/by/jon-pierik-hveju)is a sports journalist at The Age. [Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter](https://www.theage.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p56jp7). The Suns could ask for the Crows’ pick No.5 and a second-round selection.

Gold Coast small forward Izak Rankine has reportedly requested a trade to the Adelaide Crows, with the Suns alerted to the forward's choice as the club ...

[Gold Coast](/afl/teams/gold-coast-suns/) confirmed that the South Australian had come to the choice to depart Carrara within a brief statement released on Tuesday morning. [Gold Coast](/afl/teams/gold-coast-suns/) small forward [Izak Rankine](https://www.zerohanger.com/afl/players/izak-rankine/) has reportedly requested a trade to the [Adelaide](/afl/teams/adelaide-crows/) Crows, with the Suns alerted to the forward's choice as the club commenced their annual exit meetings. [Adelaide](/afl/teams/adelaide-crows/)'s contract offer turned his head.

Izak Rankine has informed the Gold Coast of his desire to continue his football career elsewhere.

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Gold Coast's Izak Rankine has officially sought after a trade to Adelaide, as the South Australian confirmed his wish return home.

He also has the ability to roll through the midfield in bursts and break open the game. The only contentious issue that remains is what Adelaide will have to give up for the pick three in the 2018 Draft. Adelaide's forward woes have been their consistency of small forwards as James Rowe, Ned McHenry, Shane McAdam and Rachele have been in and out of the side, with the latter dealing with injuries. Whether it be in the draft or trades from rival clubs, the Suns will need to look at many options to assist both Chol and King. Ben Ainsworth continues to improve but will have to shoulder more of the responsibility up forward, applying more pressure and hitting the scoreboard frequently to cover the loss of Rankine. If the deal were to be done, Rankine could join the likes of Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty, Josh Rachele, Shane McAdam and Taylor Walker in 2023, making the Adelaide forward line look even more dangerous.

Gold Coast Suns forward Izak Rankine has informed Adelaide of his desire to join the Club during the upcoming trade period. The South Australian has played ...

Rankine has spent four years at Gold Coast after being taken with the third pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, kicking 57 goals from his 48 games. The 22-year-old ...

The 22-year-old has had a breakout 2022 season, kicking 29 goals and assisting 18 others from 18 matches. Rankine has spent four years at Gold Coast after being taken with the third pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, kicking 57 goals from his 48 games. IZAK Rankine has informed Gold Coast of his desire to continue his career in South Australia.

Make me a Crow: Suns left 'disappointed' as star makes huge trade call.

After an injury-riddled start to his Suns stint, Rankine made his debut in early 2020 and showed signs of his thrilling potential early. The Suns said they’d now “work to establish the best possible deal” for Rankine. Given Rankine is not a free agent, it sets the stage for a fascinating negotiation between the Suns and Crows come trade time.

Izak Rankine has formally requested a trade out of the Gold Coast Suns and join a club in his home state in South Australia.

His current club have reportedly tabled an offer $150’000 a season shy of the Crows’ figure. [formally requested a trade out of the Gold Coast](https://www.nit.com.au/rivals-clubs-circle-indigenous-afl-stars-karl-amon-izak-rankine-at-seasons-end/) Suns to join a club in his home state South Australia. The 22-year-old made the step on Tuesday, the club later confirming the announcement with a degree of regret.