Josh Corbett details why fans should be excited by Gold Coast Suns draftee Izak Rankine

“He can use the ball in ways I have never seen.” Suns forward Josh Corbett is as excited as any to see Izak Rankine play in the AFL after watching the draftee produce a scintillating performance first-hand in the NEAFL.

SUNS forward Josh Corbett has labelled draftee Izak Rankine a serious talent who can use the ball in ways he has never seen after making his long-awaited return from injury.

The no. 3 pick from last year’s draft was mobbed by teammates when he kicked his first goal late in the third quarter of his club debut in Gold Coast’s 16.9 (105) to 12.5 (77) win over Sydney in Round 13 of the NEAFL at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday.

Corbett booted six goals but he saved all his praise for Rankine, 19, while salivating at the prospect of what he will do at AFL level.

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“There were a few glimpses that showed he will be a super footballer,” Corbett said of the South Australian who had been sidelined for the earlier stages of the season with a hamstring injury.

“He will be really hard to handle. His explosive pace and ability to get out of tough situations.

Izak Rankine of the Suns drops the ball during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at Great Barrier Reef Arena on March 03, 2019 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“He reminds me of (Suns defender) Jarrod Harbrow with the way he plays his football but at the other end of the ground.

“His goal sense is great and he can use the ball in ways I have never seen.

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“He can hit kicks, whether he is snapping it around his body or doing little bananas and that sort of stuff.

“He is a serious talent. I hope he gets a shot at the big time in the next couple of weeks because he will be very hard to play on that’s for sure. He will be ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

Gold Coast player Josh Corbett kicked six goals in the Suns NEAFL win over Sydney Swans at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Picture credit: Brad Redfern/NEAFL.

“His work rate, his understanding of the game, how to get in and out of places really well to help his teammates are all great.

“He is also just a great character and person to have around the club.”

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Gold Coast trailed Sydney by 11 points at halftime but an 8.1 to 1.1 third term gave them the upper hand and laid the platform for the win.

“I had the yips for a few weeks so it was good to get on the end of a couple,” Corbett said.

“The boys were bloody good and we worked really well together.

“We were pretty disappointed with the first quarter. Going into the second half we wanted to make a focus on winning the contested ball and limiting their numbers around the contest.

“Credit to the midfielders, they got going in the second half.”

Meanwhile, reigning NEAFL premiers Southport beat Northern Territory Thunder 7.15 (57) to 6.6 (42) at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.

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