Adelaide speedster Izak Rankine says spending more time around Skipper Jordan Dawson has helped him see the game in a new light, as he prepares for the 2026 season.

Entering his fifth campaign at West Lakes, Rankine has used this pre-season to focus on improving on-field, but also growing as a person - an aspect he credits in part to Dawson.

“I feel like I’ve grown as a person, matured as a person, so I understand the game a bit more,” Rankine said.

“Being around Daws as much as possible, trying to understand what he sees, and how he sees the game.

“He’s a smart footballer, so I try to hang around him as much as possible, it’s been good.”

Rankine, who has been spending more time training over summer with  Adelaide’s midfield mix, says growth has been a major focus this pre-season, as he looks to take another step in his development.

“It’s been about getting a good balance between work and life, and feeling good about yourself.

“Feeling good, getting my body good, and working on a few areas in-game, and also my strength around the ball, making sure I’m strong and hard to play against, that’s been a work-on.

“Also my skill execution, and a lot of fundamentals, it’s just an ongoing growth to be consistent. I just want to stay on top of all of that, and I feel like this year is going to be good.”

Rankine’s pre-season preparation has, however, been hampered by a low-grade hamstring strain which led to him sitting on the sidelines for the team’s match simulation against Port Adelaide last month.

Despite being unavailable for next Saturday’s Round One clash against Collingwood due to suspension, the 25-year-old is confident he will be fit and ready to put his hand up for the match against the Bulldogs.

“Yep, I will be ready to play and back for Round Two,” Rankine said.

“My hamstring will be cleared up by then, it was very minor, just managing me, and making sure nothing worse comes out of it.

“We are just being smart, it’s going to be a good season for me, and I am going to make sure I can last as long as possible and not have any hiccups along the way.

“Hopefully I can get a full season out of myself, that’s the ultimate goal, so I am just listening to my body at the moment, and it’s telling me to rest, but I’ll be ready for Round Two and I’m pumped.”

The Crows will be looking to improve on last year’s finish after ending 2025 as minor premiers, before bowing out in a semi-final clash to Hawthorn.

Rankine highlighted two players who had been heating up the track this summer, with one draftee included in some eye-catching pre-season performances.

“There’s been a few (who have impressed me), definitely think Mitch Marsh is going to be a good footballer,” Rankine said.

“He’s a natural footballer and understands and reads the game well.

“Max Michalanney as well - he just continues to grow as a player.

“He had a good year last year, but I think he’s going to explode this year. He’s become a real leader in the team, and has led the way in the backline for a while now, so I think he’s going to be one of the stars of the game.”

As for what fans can expect from Rankine this year, it will be more time spent in the midfield alongside Josh Rachele, who is also transitioning into the Crows’ on-ball brigade.

But the SA product is still hopeful of being able to be just as exciting around the goals as well in 2026.

“We have been testing the mix in terms of what works with Rash and I being in there, and Daws is in amongst that (midfield) mix as well, but I think we’ve almost found a sweet spot,” Rankine said.

“The camaraderie has been growing, the brotherhood has grown, so we’ll continue to work on that during the year.

“I am a forward at heart, I love kicking goals and being around the ball, crumbing it and kicking those goals, so I won’t lose that, but I do want to grow my game, get more involved.

“Playing in the midfield is just another way to do that and hopefully help create success for this footy Club. I am excited and can’t wait to get back out there.”

Adelaide faces Collingwood in Round One at the MCG on Saturday, March 14, before its first home game - against the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Friday, March 20.

Round Two tickets available here.