Adelaide Crows midfielder Izak Rankine declares he is a profoundly changed individual as he prepares to make his return to AFL football this week, following one of the most challenging periods of his life. The 25-year-old star will run out for the Adelaide Crows for the first time since serving a four-match suspension, imposed after he directed a homophobic slur at a Collingwood Magpies opponent late last season.
A Dark Period and Near-Exit from Football
Behind the scenes, Rankine insists the most significant transformation has not been related to football at all. He has dedicated months to intensive personal development in the wake of the incident, which left him in what he later described as a 'very, very dark, very, very low place'. At his lowest ebb, Rankine admitted he nearly walked away from the sport entirely.
'For a bit, I wanted to stay away from footy,' he confessed. 'I was in a very, very dark, very, very low place.' Instead of stepping away permanently, Rankine chose to confront the situation head-on, taking full responsibility for his actions and committing to meaningful change.
Taking Full Responsibility and Embracing Growth
'There was no excuse. It was wrong and I take full responsibility,' Rankine stated emphatically. 'I'm disappointed in myself and I know I have let a lot of people down.' The turning point arrived when he shifted his focus from the mistake itself to the person he aspired to become.
'You start to question who you are, how you've been acting and who you've been hanging around with … and why you are where you are,' he reflected. 'You can't just dwell on the s*** stuff you've done … because it overcomes you. You've got to turn that and use it for the better.'
Proactive Steps Towards Reconciliation and Learning
Rankine's response has involved a multifaceted approach, including time away from the spotlight with an overseas trip, alongside practices such as journaling, meditation, and deep self-reflection. Crucially, he has made a conscious effort to engage directly with those affected by his actions.
This included a meeting with Adelaide's LGBTQ+ supporter group, the Rainbow Crows, where he spoke openly and answered questions about the incident. 'I'm an open book right now,' Rankine said. 'I just want to learn, understand and create those connections with everyone, and be more involved.'
Noticed Transformation Within the Club
These efforts have garnered recognition within the Adelaide Crows organisation. Teammates and coaches have observed a more mature and vocal presence since his return to training. Senior coach Matthew Nicks noted that Rankine has embraced greater responsibility within the group, effectively adding 'another leader' to the club's ranks.
His renewed mindset has also fundamentally reshaped his relationship with football. While he initially distanced himself from the game, Rankine says his passion for it has only intensified. 'But the more you stay away, the more eager you are to get back,' he explained. 'It's definitely continued to grow, that love for footy again. Just being around the boys, being around that sort of environment is where I thrive the most.'
Football as a Lifeline and Path Forward
Rankine's journey is further contextualised by a difficult upbringing. He has previously spoken about being removed from his family as a child, experiencing homelessness, and battling mental health challenges including anxiety and depression. He believes football provided a crucial lifeline and sense of purpose when few other options existed.
'If I didn't have footy or if I didn't have another light to look down, just like what else are you going to do?' he pondered. Now, as he prepares to return under the bright lights of the AFL, Rankine is resolute that one moment will not define his career or his character.
'I put my hand up completely. It is something that I don't live by. I don't stand by,' he affirmed. 'I'm very grateful for the people that were around me, the lessons I learned from that mistake and the person who has come out on the other side of the whole situation.'
Summarising his growth, Rankine stated, 'I've been really starting to grow as a person, as a human, as an AFL footballer.' His return marks not just a comeback to the sport, but the emergence of a more reflective and responsible individual determined to move forward positively.
