Gold Coast forward Izak Rankine has officially requested a trade from the AFL club and is set to accept a big-money offer from hometown club Adelaide.
The No.3 pick at the 2018 draft, Rankine has overcome serious hip and hamstring injuries to become a regular starter at the Suns.
The 22-year-old made 48 appearances for Gold Coast and enjoyed a career-best year in 2022, kicking 29 goals.
Rankine was also above his career average for disposals, marks inside 50 and goal assists this season.
Gold Coast had been confident of extending Rankine's time at the club before the Crows tabled a massive five-year offer which could reportedly make him the highest paid player at the club, earning as much as $850,000 a season.
"We have created a football club where our players and staff are committed to success, so we're disappointed with his decision," Suns player talent and strategy manager Craig Cameron said in a statement.
"We've provided an environment and support network around Izak since he was drafted to help him play his best football and it's disappointing that journey won't continue."
The Suns will now enter negotiations with the Crows to finalise the trade with Adelaide's pick five and a second-round selection in the draft the most likely options.
Rankine's move to the Crows would give coach Matthew Nicks a potent forward line including Josh Rachele, Wayne Milera and Taylor Walker.
