Andrew Capel’s Road to the AFL Draft: Where to rank Rankine?

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan says he cannot wait for the day South Australian excitement machine Izak Rankine puts together a “complete’’ game of football.

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AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan says he cannot wait for the day South Australian excitement machine Izak Rankine puts together a “complete’’ game of football.

“Because it will be pretty special and exciting to watch,’’ says draft expert Sheehan.

Rankine, 18, is on track to make consecutive All-Australian under-18 teams after a second strong showing at this year’s AFL under-18 championships at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

West Adelaide's Izak Rankine celebrates kicking a goal in the SANFL last week. Picture: Tom Huntley

The electrifying small forward/midfielder followed his 14-disposal, one-goal effort in the 89-point thrashing of Western Australia in round one with three goals from 12 possessions in the come-from-behind, 27-point win against Vic Country at Adelaide Oval as the Croweaters made it two wins from two starts.

Rankine, who has played 17 league games for West Adelaide, continued his habit of dropping in and out of games.

But Sheehan described his best moments as being as good as anyone in this year’s AFL draft pool and said Rankine reminded him of fellow indigenous stars, Adelaide great Andrew McLeod and Port Adelaide and Hawthorn superstar Shaun Burgoyne, because of his ability to do the spectacular.

“Izak has that rare ability, like McLeod and Burgoyne, to create something out of nothing,’’ he said.

“We see it week-in, week-out with him. On Sunday there was that mark he took where he seemingly came from nowhere to pull the ball in and then drilled a goal from 50m.

“Then there was that chest mark from 35m out from goal where instead of going back for a set shot, like most players would, he played on and sprinted away from his opponent to run into an open goal and make a certainty of it.

“And how about that little cut back on the wing when he pushed the ball inside and then left his opponent in his wake with his acceleration?

Izak Rankine in action for South Australia. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“We’re seeing him have these little moments in games where you sit back and say to yourself, ‘wow, that was pretty special’.

“When he puts the ultimate game together and kicks six (goals) — and it’s not going to be too far away — it’s really going to be something to behold.

“His next challenge is consistency but once he finds that he will be unstoppable.’’

Sheehan noted that like retired champion McLeod and Burgoyne, who played his 350th game against the Crows last Saturday, Rankine can turn a game on its head with one moment of “freakish'’ magic that eludes most players.

“He can be in a stalemate situation where it’s all pretty tough, aggressive and there's numbers around the ball and all of a sudden produce a brilliant play with his speed, clean ball handling and goal sense that breaks the game apart,’’ Sheehan said.

According to Sheehan, Rankine is one of seven players in the conversation to be taken at pick one at this year’s national draft, along with SA teammate Jack Lukosius, Victorians Ben and Max King and Sam Walsh, Tasmanian Tarryn Thomas and Sydney father-son prospect Nick Blakey.

SA EYE-CATCHERS

Jez McLennan

Half-back, Central District

17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s for SA v Vic Country in AFL under-18 championships.

Dashing defender was outstanding against a good Vic Country side when SA was under siege in the first half. While the Vics jumped out to a handy 16-point lead in the second quarter the margin would have been greater had McLennan and half-back sidekick Will Gould stood tall to repel numerous attacks.

Will Gould

Key utility, Glenelg

16 disposals, 6 marks, 6 rebound 50s for SA v Vic Country in AFL under-18 championships.

Combined with McLennan to keep the Croweaters — beaten in the midfield early — in the game in the first half against Vic Country. Was particularly good in the air, using his 190cm, 93kg frame to outmuscle opponents and take six strong grabs. The 17-year-old also used the ball effectively and had a team-high six rebound 50s. Gould — a one-time star forward for Glenelg’s under-16s who has been transformed into a defender — is too young to be drafted this year.

Hugo Munn is tackled by Louis Miller against WA. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Hugo Munn

Key forward, Sturt

9 disposals, 3 goals, 3 hit-outs for SA v Vic Country in AFL under-18 championships.

AFL Academy member’s statistics don't tell the full story of his significant display against Vic Country. The key forward kicked three of SA’s 11 goals but also played a key role in the ruck after SA’s lead ruckman James Braidwood (sternum) was unable to return to the field after half-time. Munn combined with fellow forward Ben Jarvis to share the ruck duties against Victorian star Bailey Williams while turning the game SA’s way with three goals in the decisive third term as the Croweaters turned a three-point half-time advantage into a matchwinning 25-point lead at the final change.

SA captain Luke Valente at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Picture: AAP Image/Russell Millard

Luke Valente

Midfielder, Norwood

16 disposals, 14 tackles, 6 clearances for SA v Vic Country in AFL under-18 championships.

The numbers do tell the story for the inspirational SA captain. A game-high 14 tackles and six clearances illustrated his tremendous work ethic and leadership ability while he also had 16 disposals and three inside 50s in a low-possession game which was tough and hard in slippery conditions. When the going gets tough, this boy rises to the occasion.

South Australia’s Kai Pudney applies a strong tackle against Vic Country in the Croweaters’ 27-point win at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Picture: Russell Millard / AAP

KEEP AN EYE ON

Kai Pudney

Midfielder, Woodville-West Torrens

21 disposals, 6 inside 50s., 3 tackles for SA v Vic Country in AFL under-18 championships.

Unsung wingman made the most of his first opportunity in the under-18 championships by winning the most disposals for SA. Only Victorian star Sam Walsh had more in the game, with 25. Pudney — a member of Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy because of his Japanese heritage — ran hard all day and had a game-high six inside-50s.

MATURE AGE WATCH

Shane McAdam

Sturt

One of the most promising and exciting players in the SANFL showcased his talent in the premier’s shock seven-point loss to the Port Adelaide Magpies at Alberton on Sunday. The medium forward kicked four of the Double Blues’ nine goals and took a couple of spectacular marks while also applying strong forward pressure. The nephew of Central District’s 1989 Magarey Medallist and former St Kilda and Brisbane star Gilbert McAdam has been a standout for Sturt since joining the club this year from WAFL team Claremont. “We’ve never really had a guy who can take marks but also tackle and chase,” Double Blues coach Martin Mattner said. “He gets up the ground and can take them on a lead, along with pack marks, and he’s very hard to match up on, which makes him very dangerous.’’ The 23-year-old has a bright future and shapes as a national draft pick in November.

Glenelg's Josh Scott has impressed after a tough 2017 campaign. Picture: AAP Image/MATT LOXTON

Josh Scott

Glenelg

After a tough 2017 campaign when he was restricted by a shoulder injury, the Tigers key forward is back to the form that saw him win the club’s 2016 club champion award. Scott kicked three of Glenelg’s seven goals in atrocious conditions in the 32-point loss to premiership contender Norwood at The Parade on Saturday and took several strong marks against a watertight defence. He had six scoring shots, booting 3.3. The 23-year-old sits second behind teammate Terry Milera (28 goals) in the race for the Ken Farmer Medal, with 23.

THE QUOTE

He’s an outstanding young talent. Whatever level that he plays he plays well without shooting the lights out. His history — right through the juniors to league football — is that he steps up and pretty much does the same thing at the next level. He’s a really good player who makes good decisions and I think he’ll be a fine AFL player for whichever club picks him up.

— North Adelaide coach Josh Carr on Connor Rozee.

PLAYER COMPARISON

Tom Lewis arches the back and breaks away against WA in the AFL under-18 championships. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Tom Mitchell in action for Hawthorn. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Tom Lewis = Tom Mitchell

PICTURE THIS

Picture: Heather Lukosius

Jack Lukosius bowling for South Australia at the 2016 Cricket Australia under-17 championships in Queensland.

BEST OF THE REST

Jacob Koschitzke

Key defender, Murray Bushrangers/Allies

The cousin of 200-game Saint Justin Koschitzke performed strongly on potential No. 1 draft pick Ben King for the Allies against Vic Metro at Southport on Saturday before conceding a matchwinning goal to the giant Victorian in the final 90 seconds as Metro came from behind to win by two points. Koschitzke, 196cm and 94kg, had kept King goalless until he marked 30m out from goal with just over a minute to go to keep Metro unbeaten following its three-goal win against WA. Koschitzke also was clean with ball in hand.

Rhylee West playing for the AFL Academy against North Melbourne at the MCG. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Media/Getty Images

Midfielder, Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

The son of seven-times Western Bulldogs club champion and five-times All-Australian Scott West was a standout for Vic Metro in its win against the Allies. The tough inside midfielder had 28 disposals, including 14 contested, and was, like his dad, terrific in traffic. His disposal let him down at times but he is a ball magnet who continually dishes opportunities out for teammates. West is a Bulldogs father-son prospect who trained with the club in the pre-season.

SAY WHAT?

Father Wayne Walsh with sons Henry Walsh, left, and Sam Walsh. Picture: Peter Ristevski

He’s the best pure midfielder in this year’s (draft) group. He’s a physical player despite his light build, he’s strong under the ball when it’s above his head, is brilliant at ground level and can find a way through heavy congestion to feed the ball out by hand or foot. He has great vision to spot up his targets, on the right or left side of his body, and overall is an exceptional talent.

— AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan on Vic Country captain Sam Walsh after he had 25 disposals, 10 tackles and three clearances against SA.

SA DRAFT FLASHBACK

Heath Grundy in action for Norwood against North in 2003.

Heath Grundy of the Swans is carried off after playing his 250th match against the West Coast Eagles. Picture: AAP Image/David Moir

Heath Grundy

Selected by Sydney from Norwood at No. 42 at 2005 rookie draft.

Who said you have to be a high draft pick to make it? Key defender Grundy, 32, in round 13 against West Coast became just the eighth man to play 250 games for the Swans. It is a remarkable return from a player who was overlooked at two national drafts. A premiership player for the Swans in 2012, Grundy has played 20 or more games in nine consecutive seasons, and all 13 so far this year, illustrating his consistency and durability. “Coming off the rookie list I was just happy to make it onto an AFL list,’’ Grundy said of his milestone.

DRAFT ORDER

(After Round 13)

1. Carlton

2. Brisbane

3. St Kilda

4. Gold Coast

5. W. Bulldogs

6. Essendon

7. Fremantle

8. Adelaide

9. GWS

10. Hawthorn

11. North Melbourne

12. Port Adelaide

13. Collingwood

14. Geelong

15. Adelaide (from Melbourne)

16. Sydney

17. Gold Coast (from West Coast)

18. Richmond

19. Adelaide (from Carlton)

20. Brisbane

21. Port Adelaide (from St Kilda)

WORTH WATCHING

The two Victorian teams, Vic Metro and Vic Country, go head-to-head in the AFL under-18 championships at the MCG on Sunday as a curtain-raiser to the Collingwood-Carlton clash. The match will be televised live on Fox Footy at 11.40am. SA’s next match is against the Allies in Geelong on June 29.