Top draft pick Izak Rankine signs new deal with Gold Coast Suns

In what is a great sign for the club’s future, Gold Coast has locked away one of its most important young players with a two-year contract extension for Izak Rankine.

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA — MARCH 03: Izak Rankine of the Suns looks to get past Dale Morris of the Bulldogs 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)

Gold Coast has locked away one of its most important young players with a two-year contract extension for Izak Rankine.

The evasive forward is yet to play a senior game due to injuries but was considered by some recruiters as the most talented player in last year’s draft.

The new deal ties the gun goal kicker to the Suns until 2022 in a massive boost for the franchise club and its list management team headed by Craig Cameron.

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“Since I’ve arrived, I’ve loved my time on the Coast,” Rankine said.

“I’ve learnt so much about footy and my body and am looking forward to continuing that over the coming years.

“There have been so many different people who have invested their time in me, I can’t wait to repay them.”

Adelaide and Port Adelaide were both eyeing Rankine and No. 2 pick and fellow South Australian Jack Lukosius.

Lukosius and No. 6 pick Ben King are both signed until the end of next season.

Gold Coast has lost a constant stream of its most talented young players in recent years, forcing the club to essentially start again this season.

Izak Rankine is sticking with the Suns. Picture: Getty Images

Rankine has returned from a serious hamstring injury through the NEAFL and is expected to press for his AFL debut over the next month.

The club remains confident it can build a strong list in coming seasons but has asked the AFL for emergency help, including the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.