Rankine on song with Sherrin and Sheeran

GOLD Coast’s excitement machine Izak Rankine plays footy like a rock star but when it comes to his music, it’s more Ed Sheeran than rock ’n’ roll.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Carlton at Metricon Stadium, the 20-year-old forward spoke life outside footy and his ambition to remain on the Coast to help bring success.

The Adelaide product last week spent an extended period at home when the Suns were forced to relocate to the South Australian capital because of the Brisbane COVID scare.

Rankine said it was a good chance to catch up with friends and family after the rollercoaster past 12 months.

“Being from Adelaide, it was good to get down there,” he said, adding he had no plans to move back.

Rankine made his AFL debut last year in scintillating fashion and has continued his good form into this season.

However, some commentators have criticised him for playing with “too much flair” instead of the fundamentals.

“I go into every week with my things I need to work on and things I need to continue to learn,” he said.

“I just want to play my role for the team every week.

“Every week is going to be hard to kick three goals and be that special type of player so if I just focus on those little things, those big moments are going to come every now and then.”

Away from footy, Rankine has proved to be as gifted off the field as he is on it.

Rankine admitted he took to the guitar in his down time as an escape from footy.

“I like to mix it up a bit with R’n’B and indie kind of music and I like to do covers of songs,” he said.

“I don’t mind Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Bryson Tiller.”