Adelaide recruit Izak Rankine has revealed his mum’s emotional reaction after a trade went through between Gold Coast and the Crows to bring the South Australian home.

Rankine, who grew up in Adelaide supporting the Crows, was drafted to the Suns in 2018 and spent the past four seasons playing footy away from his family and friends.

In August, the 22-year-old informed Adelaide of his desire to join the Club and, on Monday, the Crows secured the exciting young forward via a trade with Gold Coast.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the trade, Rankine said being home with his family again meant everything to him.

“Mum was in tears, happy for me to be back home,” Rankine said.

“My family is very proud of me and happy to have me around again.

“Being comfortable and being around family will just help me play my best footy.

“I went for the Crows growing up, I was a big fan, I went to all the games and all of that, so to finally put on a jumper is pretty special and it’s very exciting for me.”

Rankine has played 48 AFL games for Gold Coast and this season he kicked 29 goals in 18 matches, including bags of four against Collingwood and West Coast.

As part of the trade, the Crows received Rankine, Pick No.46 and a future fourth round selection, in exchange for Pick No.5, a future third and fourth round draft selection.

Rankine, who has played 48 AFL games and booted 57 goals, said he was relieved the deal was complete.

“It’s good to finally be done,” Rankine said.

“We all thought it was going to be done pretty early, but that’s just how it goes.

“My time at the Gold Coast was really good (but) the main thing I wanted to come home for was to be around family and friends and be part of a Club that I’ve always dreamed to play with.”

Rankine said he had felt welcomed by the Crows already, having received messages and phone calls from all players and coaches.

But there was someone in particular that had helped him through the trade period.

“Everyone has flicked me a text message or called me and I’m sure we’ll get along very well,” Rankine said.

“Jordan Dawson has been a big help to me, we’ve had a couple of phone conversations and he’s been someone I’ve gradually started to build a relationship with.

“Tex Walker, Sloaney, all of them have reached out.”

Rankine said he would embrace the weight of expectation and was keen to work hard at his new Club.

“A lot of fans have a lot of expectations and I think that’s just going to drive me to play even better and be better as a person and as a footballer,” Rankine said.

“I’m just going to take it day-by-day, get in, work hard and earn the respect of the people at the Club and the boys in the team.

“I’m excited to get to work.”

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