Izak Rankine has been thinking of this moment for a while now: running on to Adelaide Oval in Crows colours.
The former Gold Coast forward is relishing the prospect of his first game for the Crows - and 50th of his career - on home turf in Saturday's battle against Richmond.
"It's pretty exciting obviously to get to 50 games, I missed a couple of games earlier on in my career with hamstrings and things like that," he said.
"So pretty excited to have my 50th game here at Adelaide Oval in front of family and friends."
SA-born Rankine, a Crows supporter who admits to revering Eddie Betts, was lured back home on a contract from Adelaide in the vicinity of $800,000 a year.
But Rankine said returning to family and friends was his motivation for leaving the Suns after being pick No.3 in the 2018 draft.
"People say there's pressure and stuff like that of coming back home and having more eyes on you," the 22-year-old said.
"I just want to get the best out of myself, to be able to lock in and really prove people wrong and do the best in front of my friends and family."
Rankine immediately noticed the difference in profile on return to footy-mad Adelaide.
"It's pretty different to the Gold Coast - you come back home and have a lot more fan base and just the people here love footy," he said.
"And all my family and friends, being able to share moments, coming to training and watching me train, trial matches. Am going to enjoy this week ... it's pretty cool.
"It was good to get away for a few years, grow up and get my independence and just go through life and figure out life for my own up on the coast.
"I feel really comfortable with that decision (to return)."
The Crows enter their first home game of the season after slumping late in a 16-point away loss to GWS.
Rankine was lively on debut, particularly on the first half, but kicked 2.5 from his 18 disposals.
"A lot of positives but a lot of things to work on, I didn't kick too straight so hopefully I can turn that around this week," he said.
"We fell away in the second half ... the focus is just getting it done this weekend, playing four quarters."
