AFL round 7: Gold Coast Suns prodigy Izak Rankine stars during victory over Sydney Swans
The Gold Coast Suns have unearthed another future star, with Izak Rankine once again turning heads during his second AFL match.
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Step aside Matt Rowell, a new contender for AFL Rising Star has emerged.
Gold Coast Suns prodigy Izak Rankine continues to turn heads in the AFL, leaving the commentary box in stitches after scoring an unorthodox goal against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
Playing in just his second AFL match, Rankine was the first player to score a major during Saturday’s round seven clash, giving the visitors an early lead in Sydney.
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After Suns half forward Jack Bowes botched a shot at goal in the fourth minute, the 20-year-old booted the loose ball with his toes through the centre posts, while Sydney’s hapless defenders watch on.
As the ball sailed through the sticks, three-time All-Australian Gerard Healy muttered: “No way.”
Fox Footy commentator Mark Howard could barely comprehend what he has witnessed.
“It can’t be, surely not,” Howard queried.
“He doesn’t let us down.”
Meanwhile, Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton couldn’t stop laughing from the commentary box.
“The last time I honestly laughed at the football was watching Cyril Rioli play,” Brereton bellowed.
“He has no right to have a go at that, surrounded by opponents.
“There are four Swans closer to the ball than him!”
Suns coach Stuart Dew was also spotted giggling from the viewing box, in utter disbelief of his star forward.
Even Stuart Dew can't believe how bloody good Izak Rankine is! #AFLSwansSuns pic.twitter.com/2z1MrpDVaL
— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) July 18, 2020
Who is your favourite #AFL player and why is it Izak Rankine? #Genius #AFLSwansSuns
— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) July 18, 2020
Dew's laugh summed it up #rankine #aflswanssuns
— Nick Smart (@NickSmart85) July 18, 2020
If Izak Rankine was a song, he would be Too Much Sauce. #AFLSwansSuns
— Chris De Silva (@cdesilva23) July 18, 2020
Speaking on AFL Nation, sports commentator Jack Heverin said Rankine’s “bag of tricks is extraordinary”.
During his debut against the Melbourne Demons last weekend, Rankine scored three enthralling goals, including a major with his first touch of the Sherrin.
Rankine joined the Gold Coast Suns as the No. 3 pick in the 2018 AFL Draft, but the South Australian missed most of the 2019 season with injury. But fan favourite Matt Rowell’s unfortunate shoulder injury gave the rookie an opportunity in the spotlight.
Before the first bounce, former Hawthorn star Ben Dixon had nothing but praise for the Suns rookie.
“If he was tackled and his jumper came off, he’d have a big ‘S’ on his chest with red underwear. He’s Superman, this young man,” Dixon said on Fox Footy.
“He can do anything.”
Late in the third quarter, Rankine scored another classy goal from 45 metres out to extend the Suns’ lead to 22 points.
Rankine ended the entertaining match with two behinds, 15 disposals and three marks.
Sam Day and Lachie Weller also snared two goals for the Gold Coast, while centre Hugh Greenwood managed a match-high 23 disposals.
Sydney was unable to reduce the deficit in the final 16 minutes, comfortably losing the match 13.14 (92) to 9.6 (60).
Having secured their fourth win of the season, the Suns climb back into the top eight of the AFL ladder. Meanwhile, the Swans remain in 17th place after recording their fourth consecutive loss.
Gold Coast are scheduled to take on the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on Thursday, while, Sydney will host the Hawthorn Hawks at the SCG next Saturday.
Originally published as AFL round 7: Gold Coast Suns prodigy Izak Rankine stars during victory over Sydney Swans