Izak Rankine is stepping back onto the AFL field with a renewed outlook on life, marking his return to the sport after a transformative personal journey.

This week, the Adelaide Crows will welcome back their star player following a four-game suspension he received for using a homophobic slur against a Collingwood Magpies opponent during the latter part of last season.

Rankine emphasizes that the most significant transformation has occurred off the field.

After the incident, the 25-year-old dedicated several months to self-improvement, reflecting on a period he described as an extremely dark and low point in his life.

During his struggles, Rankine considered leaving the sport altogether.

Izak Rankine has opened up on personal growth ahead of AFL return after four-game ban for homophobic slur incident

Adelaide star reveals he nearly quit footy after suspension left him in a very dark and low place

Rankine says time away from the game reignited his love for football and strengthened his mindset

“For a while, I felt the need to distance myself from football,” he confessed.

‘I was in a very, very dark, very, very low place.’

Instead of stepping away permanently, Rankine chose to confront the situation head-on, taking full responsibility for his actions and committing to change.

‘There was no excuse. It was wrong and I take full responsibility,’ he said.

‘I’m disappointed in myself and I know I have let a lot of people down.’

The Crows midfielder revealed the turning point came when he stopped focusing on the mistake itself and started focusing on who he wanted to become.

‘You start to question who you are, how you’ve been acting and who you’ve been hanging around with … and why you are where you are,’ he said.

‘You can’t just dwell on the s*** stuff you’ve done … because it overcomes you. You’ve got to turn that and use it for the better.’

Crows midfielder admits full responsibility, declaring there was no excuse and acknowledging he let many people down

Rankine engaged directly with LGBTQ+ supporters, aiming to learn, rebuild trust and create stronger connections moving forward

Rankine’s response has included time away from the spotlight, including a trip overseas, along with journaling, meditation and self-reflection.

He has also made a conscious effort to engage with those affected, including Adelaide’s LGBTQ+ supporter group, the Rainbow Crows, where he spoke openly and answered questions about the incident.

‘I’m an open book right now,’ Rankine said.

‘I just want to learn, understand and create those connections with everyone, and be more involved.’

Those efforts have not gone unnoticed inside the club, with teammates and coaches pointing to a more mature and vocal presence since his return to training.

Senior coach Matthew Nicks said Rankine had embraced greater responsibility within the group, with the club effectively adding ‘another leader’ to its ranks.

His renewed mindset has also reshaped his relationship with football itself.

While he initially distanced himself from the game, Rankine says his love for it has only grown stronger.

Rankine says football saved his life and provided purpose during difficult years growing up in unstable environments

‘But the more you stay away, the more eager you are to get back,’ he said.

‘It’s definitely continued to grow, that love for footy again.

‘Just being around the boys, being around that sort of environment is where I thrive the most.’

Rankine’s journey has also been shaped by a difficult upbringing, having previously opened up about being removed from his family as a child, sleeping rough and battling mental health challenges including anxiety and depression.

He believes football provided a path forward when little else did.

‘If I didn’t have footy or if I didn’t have another light to look down, just like what else are you going to do?’ he said.

Now, as he prepares to return under the bright lights, Rankine is determined not to let one moment define his career or his character.

‘I put my hand up completely. It is something that I don’t live by. I don’t stand by,’ he said.

‘I’m very grateful for the people that were around me, the lessons I learned from that mistake and the person who has come out on the other side of the whole situation.’