When Crows livewire Izak Rankine and Demons star Kysaiah Pickett came together before the first bounce on Sunday, there was a smirk, a handshake and a cheeky warning.

The pair have a strong connection and a mutual respect - both being Indigenous and growing up in South Australia - leading to the pre-game banter being dialled up.

“We just sort of said ‘stay away from each other and just don’t have too much of a good game’,” Rankine told AFC Media after the Crows’ 13-point win against Melbourne.

“Me and Kozzy get along, we’re family, so whenever we play each other we sort of have that little extra go at each other  - it’s always nice to play against family.”

Rankine starred in the Crows’ 13.12 (90) to 11.11 (77) victory at Adelaide Oval, with a game-high five goals, 16 disposals, four marks, four tackles and seven score involvements.

Pickett also impressed for the Demons, finishing the game with 24 disposals, three clearances, eight inside-50s, nine score involvements, and two goals.

It was a fitting display for Rankine, a proud Ngarrindjeri man, who together with his teammates, donned the Crows’ First Nations guernsey to mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week.

“It just sort of turned out like that (with the start of NAIDOC Week), it was just me and Kozzy going at it for a bit,” Rankine said.

“But these sort of games I tend to get up and try to perform a bit better and it was nice to kick a couple of snags and celebrate with the boys as well.”

The win, however, didn’t come easy for the Crows, who were forced to grit their way back into the game, as they faced an early 28-point deficit.

Rankine said being able to turn the momentum back into their favour showed maturity and a team-first attitude.

“We got challenged in the first half but to respond as a group like that as we did was pretty special,” Rankine said.

“(It was about) contest, contest, contest - we were getting beaten in there - we know they’re a good team when they get the contest on their terms.

“Our belief is growing, and it’s not fake, we really believe, we hype each other up and get around each other, there’s a lot of love in this group - from all ages - from Tex to Dan Curtin.

“We all appreciate each other and understand everyone has a certain role within the team - no matter who kicks the goals each week, or whoever has the most touches, we don’t care - we just love playing alongside each other.”

Adelaide will be eyeing a third consecutive victory when it faces the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday at 12.50pm (ACST).

“It is going to be a good challenge, they (the Bulldogs) are going really well at the moment, so it will be a good test for us,” Rankine said.

“Going over there, we want to get those away wins on the board as well, so we’ll see how we go next week.”