Adelaide Assistant Coach Jack Hombsch says Izak Rankine’s workrate has helped take his game to another level in 2024. 

Rankine was a key contributor in Adelaide’s 16-point win over Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night, recording nine score involvements and six clearances, to go along with his 27 disposals. 

Speaking to the media on Monday, Hombsch highlighted the influence Rankine had on the team. 

“It’s pretty clear he’s a very important player for us, he works really hard and he’s certainly someone we’re very happy to have at our footy club,” Hombsch said. 

“His ability to play forward and midfield for us gives us great flexibility and it allows him to show off his talent. 

“I think the really underestimated thing (about Izak’s game) is his workrate around the ground, it really sets him up to succeed out on the field. 

“We’ve got a number of players that are really important for us, and Izak is certainly one of those.” 

The win over the Giants capped off a positive weekend for the Club, after Adelaide’s SANFL side defeated reigning premier Glenelg by 39 points on Saturday afternoon. 

Hombsch said it was pleasing to see both teams execute what they had been working on over the bye period.  

“It was a really strong result for the footy club across both levels, the SANFL game at Glenelg was great and then we carried that momentum across to the AFL,” Hombsch said. 

“We were able to play a bit more front of centre footy, which is something we’ve been really keen to get back to a strong level, and give our forwards a chance to go to work inside 50. 

“We had a good chance over the bye to refresh a bit, and to come back and play with the tenacity that we did, it was very pleasing.”