Crows star Rankine vows to rebound for AFL flag push

Izak Rankine doesn't want to miss out on any more AFL games, determined to play all the way to finals with Adelaide in 2025.

Rankine soared to career-best heights across this year's campaign despite a road pockmarked by injuries and a suspension.

The 24-year-old showed glimpses of his potential across 15 games for the Crows, kicking 29 goals with an average of 18 disposals.

First sidelined for four weeks after hurting his hamstring in round 10, Rankine's All-Australian hopes were dashed when he was banned for an off-ball bump that concussed Brisbane's Brandon Starcevich.

The brilliant utility returned in round 22 before suffering a concussion a week later after a high bump from then-Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston.

Without their star playmaker, Adelaide missed finals for a seventh-straight season, finishing 15th with eight wins, 14 losses and one draw.

Rankine is ready to make up for lost time and has left no stone unturned during pre-season training.

"This off-season has been massive for me. I took another step ahead and tried to push everyone and push myself," he said on Wednesday.

"I'm trying to become more of a leader as well. Talking to the younger boys and getting them prepared, that helps you get yourself prepared at the same time.

"I want to be consistent and play as many games as I can.

"With last year missing a few games due to suspension and injuries and things like that, I want to fix it up and just do everything I can to make sure I can play as many games as I can this year.

"That puts us in the best position to push for the year."

The same desire to end their finals drought is also burning within talented draftee Sid Draper, who has impressed as expected after being selected with pick No.4.

"He was at the front a bit, dragging us along, putting a couple to the sword," Rankine said.

"You obviously hear talks leading into the draft and things like that but actually to see how he gets to work is pretty special. He's a special kid.

"The last couple of weeks, he's actually dominated training."

Rankine will get a chance to hit the ground running earlier than his Crows teammates after being named in the Indigenous All Stars squad on Wednesday.

Earlier, young defender Luke Nankervis signed a two-year contract extension with the Crows to cap his breakout season.