Crows superstar Izak Rankine to perform at Nine’s Gather Round in the Barossa event

The Crows matchwinner opens up about his hidden musical talent and Adelaide’s stunning start to the 2025 season.

Izak Rankine is thrilled to be back on centre stage during AFL’s Gather Round – even if it’s with a guitar in hand rather than a football.

Twelve months after the Adelaide superstar made his musical debut, he’s back to perform as part of Nine’s Gather Round in the Barossa event on Tuesday night.

Rankine, 25, admitted to some anxiety ahead of his return to the spotlight, describing it as “out of his comfort zone”.

“I’m obviously nervous, putting yourself out there and getting up on stage, playing a guitar and trying to sing. It’s nerve-racking,” he told The Advertiser.

“Footy is the easy part, that’s the easy job I have. Doing this is extremely out of my comfort zone. You’re out there by yourself and if you mess up it’s on you.

“But the reception last year was great and I’m very excited and keen to get out there and do it again.”

Rankine surprised football followers around the country with a stunning performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre during Nine’s Gather Round Spectacular last April.

Izak Rankine performing during Gather Round Spectacular last year. Picture: Channel 9

Izak Rankine made his music debut last year. Picture: Channel 9

His live rendition of Look After You, by US band The Fray, stunned viewers who had no idea of the Crow’s hidden talent.

“It’s always been my own thing, I did it in the background but since I did the performance last year it’s become a bit more known. It’s pretty cool,” he said.

A self-taught musician with no formal training, Rankine has learned everything he knows from YouTube videos and good old-fashioned hard work.

“It’s like anything, if you practise more you’ll get better at it. Like footy, if you practise your ground balls, you’re going to get better and it’s pretty similar in that respect,” he said.

“I’ve always played music but the last 12 months I’ve started to lean into it more, and used it as a way to have a break from footy. I’ve really worked on my craft, the guitar skills and my vocals.

“So If I go out there and be myself, it’ll all fall into place.”

Rankine will be the main entertainment at Nine’s Barossa program, which will be hosted by Eddie McGuire and also feature retired Crows champion Rory Sloane and Bombers icon James Hird.

Rankine said it was special to be able to share his music with a large audience.

Izak Rankine. Picture: Channel 9

“It means a lot to me. I’ve always had music as an outlet. To be able to do that and put smiles on other people’s faces is the best part for me,” he said.

“I’m going to take advantage of this platform while I can, and show that football isn’t the only thing that we have in our lives and there’s other things we enjoy outside of that.”

The Crows’ matchwinner described his musical style as varied, with anything from country to hip-hop on his playlist. He declined to reveal much about his plans for Tuesday night but let slip that he’s going to cover a track by US pop rockers Maroon 5.

Rankine’s biggest issue might be securing enough tickets for his family and friends, including several of his Crow teammates, for the event at the Barossa Valley Estate Winery & Cellar Door.

Izak Rankine in action this year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Yeah I’m just working through that now. I’m trying to organise some tickets for the boys, they’re keen to come up and support,” he said. “Obviously Sloaney is on the panel and it’ll be good to catch up with him too.”

The eyes of the football world will be on South Australia next weekend for the third edition of Gather Round. All nine matches will be played here, including five at Adelaide Oval, two at Norwood Oval and two at a new ground, Barossa Park, in Lyndoch.

The Crows will kick off the on-field action with a blockbuster clash against Geelong at the Oval.

“We look forward to having all the teams come here and showcasing the sport and what SA has to offer,” Rankine said.

“I think it’s a great round, a great event for the state. Even the week leading up … the city is buzzing. It’s a great time of the year.”

Izak Rankine celebrates with fans. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Even after an electric 3-0 start to the season, Rankine said the club is firmly focused on an away clash against his former team the Gold Coast Sun, on Saturday.

“When you win the vibes around the club are really good. But I think we’ve put it behind us and we’re just looking forward to this week,” he said. “We’ve got tough opposition, the Suns midfield is pretty strong, we’ll need to win the contested ball and ride this wave … and hopefully chalk up some more wins on the board.”

Gather Round in the Barossa, Tuesday 7.30pm on Nine.

Originally published as Crows superstar Izak Rankine to perform at Nine’s Gather Round in the Barossa event