As Izak Rankine prepares to enter his second AFL campaign with Adelaide, he brings with him an aura of maturity, growth and a burning desire to be the best he can be.

Rankine enjoyed a standout first year with the Crows after being traded from Gold Coast, booting 36 goals from 20 games.

Although by his own admission, he feels more comfortable now than when he arrived at West Lakes, he won’t be resting on his laurels, as the Crows strive to earn their first finals berth since 2017.

“I feel more comfortable and more mature,” Rankine told AFC Media.

“The group has grown so much from playing in those close games and we’ve really worked on fixing a few things structurally.

“We are all hungry and we are all excited for the season.

“I want to be as consistent as I possibly can and I want to win, that’s where my heart is at.”

The 23-year-old, who grew up supporting the Crows, will not only don a new number this season - moving to the famous No.23 - but will also be part of a positional switch up.

Recruited as an exciting forward with silky skills, Rankine has worked hard during the summer to build up his fitness, allowing him to split his time between his former position and the midfield.

“The No.23 is my favourite number, I was born on the 23rd and some greats have played in that number - like Bunji (Andrew McLeod) and Buddy Franklin, so when it opened up, I took it straight away,” Rankine said.

“I get to have a run around in the midfield, chase the ball around and get the ball moving, then get forward and kick a few goals, it puts the opposition team on their heels a bit, because they aren’t sure where I’m going or structurally where to set up.

“We’ve got players like Peds and Rash who can go through the midfield as well, they’re good ball users as well, drive the legs and get the ball moving forward pretty well, and I feel it adds another dynamic to our team and the game plan.

“Rotating with them and even sometimes with Daws is great for us.”

Rankine, who booted two goals in the Crows’ trial against Port Adelaide last Friday night, said he was keen for the club’s final pre-season hit-out against West Coast this Saturday afternoon.

He said it would be another opportunity for players to fine tune ahead of the 2024 season opener against his former side, the Suns, on March 17.

“Last week’s trial was alright, it’s always tough, blowing out those cobwebs in that first trial game, but I think there were a lot of positives to take out of it,” Rankine said.

“We are keen to get out again this week against West Coast and hopefully have a dominant four quarters.

“I am excited for this year, to see what I can bring and where we are as a team is really exciting.”

Adelaide’s AAMI Community Series match against West Coast is at Hisense Stadium on Saturday, March 2, at 2.40pm.

The Crows’ family day will also be hosted on Saturday, prior to the game, at 12.30pm.

For all the details, click here.