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Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin won’t comment on reported pursuit of Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin won't comment on reported pursuit of Collingwood's Brodie Grundy

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has conceded his club is always looking at “contingencies” but wouldn’t confirm or deny interest in Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy as a potential replacement for young gun Luke Jackson.

Goodwin conceded Jackson, who has been heavily linked to a big-money move to Fremantle, had yet to inform the club whether he was staying or going in 2023.

But ahead of a must-win clash with Carlton on Friday night, with the Demons needing a win to maintain their chances of a top-four finish, Goodwin wouldn’t comment on a link to Grundy, who has five more years remaining on his contract at Collingwood.

“It’s a good story and I understand the questioning but I’ve been pretty clear on this over a number of years. I’m not going to speculate and talk about players from opposition clubs,” the premiership coach said on Wednesday.

“Clearly, people in our industry are going around looking at how they can potentially improve their list… that’s not my focus. It’s not for me to comment on.”

Brodie Grundy could be headed to Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel PockettSource: AAP

Goodwin said Melbourne would give Jackson, who has formed a key one-two punch with Demons captain Max Gawn, as much time as he needed to make a decision.

But he also said the club was always making contingency plans as part of list management, which would include covering Jackson’s potential departure.

“If you look at list management all the time you have contingency plans for a whole range of different things that sit within your environment,” he said.

“We’ve talked about Luke a lot. We are going to give him the most amount of time to make his decision about him. We don’t know what the decision is at the moment.

Luke Jackson has been linked to Fremantle. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“We’ll continue to build contingencies, to work with Luke and give him the best environment possible to want to stay here and Luke will make that decision when the time is right.

“But as a club and as an organisation, you look at all positions … about how you are best going to move forward in the future.”

Goodwin said premiership defender Jake Bowey was “AFL ready” and could soon return to the Melbourne line-up having been sent back to the VFL after the round 17 loss to Geelong to find his best form.

But more changes to the team that lost by just seven points to Collingwood last week were unlikely for the clash with Carlton, Goodwin adamant his premiership-winning outfit was “tracking in the right direction”.

“We’re really comfortable with where our team is sitting. We clearly have a lot of pressure from guys underneath,” he said,

“But in terms of the type of player or personnel in the team, we are really comfortable. The last couple of weeks we have played some of our best footy for the year.

“We played a really dominant game against Fremantle and last week… we had momentum for big parts.

“There’s a lot to like in the way we are going, we just have to execute a little bit better and the results will be different.”

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Australian legend Lauren Jackson will play for Opals at the World Cup after retiring in 2016

Australian legend Lauren Jackson will play for Opals at the World Cup after retiring in 2016

The remarkable comeback story of basketball champ Lauren Jackson has continued, with the 41-year-old included in Australia’s 12-strong Opals team for this year’s FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup nine years after she retired.

An emotional Jackson, who retired in 2016 through a chronic injury after a Hall of Fame career in Australia and the US, said she “didn’t honestly know” if her body would hold up to the rigors of international basketball again.

But Opals coach Sandy Brondello said Jackson would add “another dimension” to the team that has gone through some tough recent times in the wake of Liz Cambage’s controversial exit.

“Making the final cut to 12 is always difficult with so many great athletes pushing for selection” Brondello said.

“The training camp in New York demonstrated how much each of these athletes wanted to compete on home soil. The competition for a spot on the team was fierce.”

“Of course, the inclusion of Lauren is the talking point, but from my perspective, she has put in the work and deserves to be here. She will add another dimension to our team dynamic.”

Jackson began her comeback for local team Albury but is hoping to help the Opals add to the team’s rich World Cup legacy having won silver in 2018, bronze in 2014 and gold in 2006.

“There were a lot of emotions when Sandy rang me, I had a bit of a cry to be honest,” Jackson said.

“I have been working my body hard, and I didn’t honestly know if it was going to hold up to my intense training regimen, but it has and I’m feeling good.

“The whole team have been so welcoming and made me feel at home. The age difference disappears as soon as I step onto the court.

“I believe in this team and what we can achieve. If I can play a part if getting us onto the podium, then the hard work is all worthwhile.”

Shyla Heal was a notable omission from the final 12, with Bec Allen and Cayla George to return for their third World Cup appearance. Marianna Tolo, Steph Talbot, Sami Whitcomb, Tess Madgen and Ezi Magbegor will return for their second appearance and Sara Blicavs, Darcee Garbin, Anneli Maley and Kristy Wallace will make their debut.

Jackson will make her fifth World Cup appearance after last playing in 2010.

The squad is filled with international experience, with Allen (New York Liberty), Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Whitcomb (New York Liberty), Wallace (Atlanta Dream) and Talbot (Seattle Storm) all playing in the WNBA.

The Opals are ranked No.3 in the world and have drawn Group C, with pool matches against France, Serbia, Japan, Mali and Canada tipping off on September 22 in Sydney.

Australian Opals 2022 FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup team: Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Ezi Magbegor, Tess Madgen, Anneli Maley, Steph Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, Sami Whitcomb.

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NRL won’t reverse result of West Tigers’ loss to North Queensland in round 19

NRL won't reverse result of West Tigers' loss to North Queensland in round 19

The NRL won’t be reversing the outcome of Wests Tigers’ controversial loss to North Queensland in round 19 but will review the rule that allowed a captain’s challenge after the siren had gone.

And the Tigers also confirmed the club had decided not to pursue a course of legal action after “forcibly” making its position clear to the NRL in recent discussions having also undertaken independent advice.

In the aftermath of the Cowboys kicking a penalty kick to snatch a 27-26 victory courtesy of a captain’s challenge after the final siren, the NRL admitted bunker official Ashley Klein got the wrong call to uphold North Queensland’s challenge after winger Kyle Feldt and the Tigers ‘Asu Kepaoa collided while Feldt was chasing a kick.

Klein incorrectly ruled that Kepaoa had provided an “escort”.

The NRL world was fuming for what most considered the worst decision of the season and the Wests Tigers threatened legal action.

But after an investigation and meetings between league heavyweights and the clubs, the NRL declared on Monday there would be “no further consideration” of the match, ruling out awarding the game to the Tigers.

“Chairman and CEO of the Wests Tigers met with the chairman of the ARLC, NRL CEO and NRL head of football last week,” an NRL statement said.

“The meeting was agreed to discuss various aspects of the rulings made in the final minutes of the Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys match on 24 July 2022, being the subject of a formal complaint lodged by Wests Tigers with the NRL.

“The NRL has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers and in response has put forward its interpretation of the rules which enabled the captain’s challenge to be made and the subsequent decision of the bunker match official.

“The NRL has already acknowledged that the bunker official decision of ‘escort’ was incorrect, leading to the erroneous awarding of a penalty in favor of North Queensland Cowboys which ultimately decided the match.

“On the matter of whether the captain’s challenge was permissible in terms of how the rules were drafted, the NRL and the Wests Tigers expressed differing views and interpretation.

The NRL is comfortable with the interpretation that was applied but has acknowledged, in light of the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers, that the rule needs to be reviewed at the end of the season to provide more clarity so as to ensure that there is no future misunderstanding as to the intent and application of the rule.

“Wests Tigers will be consulted as part of the review, together with other interested clubs and stakeholders.

“The NRL acknowledges the professional and respectful manner in which the representatives of the Wests Tigers have pursued their concerns on behalf of their club’s members and fans.

“There will be no further consideration in relation to the match of 24 July 2022.”

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis had said in the aftermath of the game that the club was exploring its legal options but the club ruled that out on Monday after talks with the NRL

In a statement the club said that decision may be “disappointing to many” but officials were happy they would be consulted on charges to the rules.

“We have made our point to the NRL and made it forcibly,” the statement said.

“We did so on behalf of our members and fans and gave voice to their legitimate concerns that the outcome of the match was not just nor fair. We extracted a concession from the NRL that the obstruction penalty which was given was erroneous and therefore, by implication, Wests Tigers should have won that match.

“We know it, everyone knows it. Unfortunately, the history books will not record it that way.”

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Mat Ryan joins FC Copenhagen

Mat Ryan joins FC Copenhagen

Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan has moved from Spain to Denmark in search of regular first-team football ahead of this year’s World Cup.

Ryan, 30, has left La Liga club Real Sociedad to join Danish Superliga champions FC Copenhagen on a two-year deal.

“I’m really looking forward to becoming part of a big club like FC Copenhagen, which has a fantastic reputation throughout Europe,” Ryan said in a club statement.

“The team has great quality and the ambitions for the club are high in terms of winning titles and competing in the biggest tournaments in Europe. I will work hard to contribute to that.”

Ryan signed with Real Sociedad in July last year following a spell at English Premier League club Arsenal, where he was on loan from Brighton.

However, he only made nine appearances in all competitions last season, playing second fiddle to Sociedad’s first-choice gloveman Alex Remiro.

With the World Cup starting in November, Ryan could ill afford further time on the bench, and jumped at the chance to join FC Copenhagen, who recently lost goalkeeper Kamil Grabara to a serious facial injury.

FC Copenhagen sporting director Peter Christiansen said: “After Kamil Grabara’s injury, we have been looking for an addition to the goalkeeper position, and we are very satisfied with the solution, which both in the short and long term ensures increased competition and quality in that position.

“Maty has played many games in some of the world’s biggest leagues and still has plenty of hunger to do well at FC Copenhagen and for Australia in the World Cup.

“We are looking forward to having him in the team and are sure that he will strengthen our squad.”

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AFL: Pre-season banter made Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor and Jack Ginnivan best mates

AFL: Pre-season banter made Collingwood's Isaac Quaynor and Jack Ginnivan best mates

It’s the Collingwood bromance built on banter.

Jack Ginnivan first registered on Isaac Quaynor’s radar when his agent, John Meesen, asked him two years ago to look out for a “cheeky” new draftee and fellow Kapital Sports Group client.

But it wasn’t until this past summer when Ginnivan’s bravado and spunk caught Quaynor’s attention and he began gravitating to him.

Quaynor was mic’d up one pre-season session and, as a small defender, found himself regularly alongside the dangerous goalsneak.

“I was running past him just trying to razz him up a little bit, and he bit back,” he said of Ginnivan.

“We played on each other in a lot of the match simulation stuff towards the end of pre-season and it was always good fun.

“The more games you play, the more comfortable you feel, so when he wasn’t playing AFL football, he was kind of in his shell a little bit, then as his confidence grew he started to express himself in his own unique way.

“He’s a very confident fella out on the field, he’s very talented, he does some freaky things and he talks a lot of crap when he’s out there – and I love that.”

They have become best mates, with Quaynor watching in awe as the 19-year-old transformed into a “national sensation.”

The pair make up half of the Collingwood representation in the 40-man AFL Players’ Association 22 Under 22 squad, alongside Nathan Murphy and Rising Star favorite Nick Daicos.

“The best part is there are four of us this year and there’s a few other boys who could have been in the mix if they’d played a few more games,” Quaynor said.

“It’s an exciting young group we’ve got at the moment.”

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Quaynor and Ginnivan, who were caught up in a TikTok controversy in June after taking part in a social media trend where they rated women on their features and looks.

“You need to learn from the mistakes you make, and I definitely did,” he said.

“As soon as it came to the media and ‘Wrighty’ (football boss Graham Wright) and things like that; I was automatically remorseful and wanted to get that apology video out to try and nip it in the bud.

“It was pretty full-on but sometimes you’ve got to cop a whack to learn some things.”

Quaynor is convinced Collingwood can win this year’s premiership after a barnstorming run of 11 consecutive victories, including six straight by single-digit margins and eight overall.

The extraordinary run comes a year after the Pies finished second-last and sacked coach Nathan Buckley before hiring Craig McRae, who won his players over with a pre-season pledge to be “a man of his word”.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and a great year to date,” Quaynor said.

“I think the way ‘Fly’ (McRae) and the rest of the coaching staff have been able to direct the ship and create this family, winning environment and culture so quickly is pretty special.

“Us young boys are really buying into that and kind of drive that, which really helps as well.”

Voting runs from August 10 to 17 at 22under22.com.au, with the final team announced on August 23 on the AFL’s social media channels

AFLPA 22UNDER22 SQUAD

DEFENDERS

Keidean Coleman (Bris), Isaac Quaynor (Coll), Nathan Murphy (Coll), Nick Daicos (Coll), Hayden Young (Frem), Jordan Clark (Frem), Sam De Koning (Geel), Harrison Petty (Melb), Bailey Scott (NM), Nick Blakey (Syd), Tom McCartin (Syd)

MIDFIELDERS

Sam Berry (Adel), Adam Cerra (Carl), Sam Walsh (Carl), Andrew Brayshaw (Frem), Caleb Serong (Frem), Matt Rowell (GC), Noah Anderson (GC), Tom Green (GWS), Jai Newcombe (Haw), James Jordon (Melb), Connor Rozee (PA), Zak Butters (PA), Chad Warner (Syd), James Rowbottom (Syd), Justin McInerney (Syd), Bailey Smith (WB)

FORWARDS

Darcy Fogarty (Adel), Cameron Rayner (Bris), Jack Ginnivan (Coll), Nic Martin (Ess), Michael Frederick (Fre), Izak Rankine (GC), Kysaiah Pickett (Melb), Max King (StK), Errol Gulden (Syd), Aaron Naughton (WB), Cody Weightman (WB)

RUCKS

Luke Jackson (Melb), Noah Balta (Rich)

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AFL: Lions star Lachie Neale lifting at business end of season

AFL: Lions star Lachie Neale lifting at business end of season

Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney has hailed the form of teammate Lachie Neale as Brisbane’s top-four hopes go on the line in the final two rounds of the regular season.

Currently in fifth spot on the AFL ladder but on the same points as third-placed Melbourne and fourth-placed Sydney, the Lions can guarantee themselves a top-four berth by beating St Kilda and the Demons in the next fortnight.

It’s a task easier said the done, but the form of star midfielder Neale will aid Brisbane’s top-four bid.

He was superb in the Lions’ weekend win over Carlton, with an all-round effort of 32 disposals, nine clearances and one goal moving him alongside Gold Coast Suns star Touk Miller at the top of the AFL Coaches Association’s MVP award.

Neale is also favored to win a second Brownlow Medal, having won the award for the first time in 2020.

“He’s gone up a level,” McInerney said in comparing Neale’s form from two years ago to now.

“We couldn’t be proud of that. He’s a phenomenal player.

“He’s the last guy out on the track, he’s always working on his touch, (doing) weights, he’s getting stronger, he’s fitter, he’s an incredible athlete, he’s got an incredible mindset… that’s a great role model for all our young players coming through.”

McInerney’s own form has been good but he is playing his performances down, claiming he just wants to keep things “nice and simple” for the likes on Neale and other Brisbane teammates.

“As long as I’m just jumping hard and creating a contest, we’ve got so many magical players like Lachie at the feet, they just do the rest,” McInerney.

“He (Neale) is just so clean. He just doesn’t fumble but that comes from the work behind the scenes.”

The Lions are attempting on producing a four-quarter performance when they head to Marvel Stadium for Friday night’s clash against the Saints.

Despite beating the Blues by 33 points at the Gabba last Sunday, Brisbane had a 57-point three-quarter lead which Carlton at one stage reduced to less than three goals in the final term before the hosts steadied to seal the victory.

“We’re still improving at this time of year, and I think that’s a really valuable thing for our team,” McInerney said.

“Obviously we need to cement that and go for longer periods, but it’s really pleasing and positive signs that we’re able to continue to improve.”

The versatile Callum Ah Chee will miss Friday’s match due to the AFL’s concussion protocols.

Defender Marcus Adams also didn’t train with the Brisbane team on Tuesday as he recovers from a sternum injury he suffered against Carlton.

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A-League: Slovakian international Robert Mak joins Sydney FC

A-League: Slovakian international Robert Mak joins Sydney FC

Sydney FC’s measured and patient approach to returning to the A-League summit has stepped up a gear with the signing of former Manchester City winger Robert Mak.

Capped 73 times for Slovakia, Mak has joined the Sky Blues on a two-year deal after winning back-to-back Hungarian top-flight titles with Ferencváros.

“We took our time because there’s a specific type of player we want,” Sydney FC coach Steve Corica said.

“We’ve got a few more to come in as well, but to have the first one done is great.

“We’re two months out from the start of the (A-League) season which gives us plenty of time to work with Robert and to get him ready.”

The most successful club in A-League history with five championships, the Sky Blues finished a disappointing eighth last season.

“We had to have a good look at where we were and what kind of players and what formation we wanted to look at if we wanted to change things,” Corica said.

“It’s probably the best time right now to do it.”

Mak’s ability to play on either wing and also in a central attacking role if required made him an attractive target for Sydney.

“He has two great feet and can play on either side of the pitch. He likes to take on defenders and will create and score goals for us as well,” Corica said.

“To play that many times for your country is no mean feat and I think he will really stand out this season.”

Having joined Manchester City’s academy at 13, Mak stayed there for six years before leaving in 2010 to join German club Nurnberg.

From there he went to Greek club Paok in 2014 and also had spells in Russia (Zenit St Petersburg) and Turkey (Konyaspor) before his move to Hungary.

“I’ve been part of a few championships and cup wins in my career, so I know what it takes and want to bring my experience, personality and a few goals and assists to help us this season,” said Mak, who has made more than 30 game appearances in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

“This is going to be a fantastic challenge for me, and it’s a real honor to be signing for Australia’s biggest and most successful club.”

The Sky Blues continue their Australia Cup campaign on Wednesday night with a round-of-16 clash against NPL Victoria outfit Bentleigh Greens in Melbourne.

In Wednesday night’s other Cup round-of-16 battle, South Australian state league club Modbury Jets host Macarthur FC at Gepps Cross.

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AFL: ‘As flat as I’ve been’: Star Demon Jake Lever on Melbourne’s loss to Collingwood

AFL: 'As flat as I've been': Star Demon Jake Lever on Melbourne's loss to Collingwood

Melbourne defender Jake Lever expects the Demons to address a worrying trend of blowing strong starts after Friday night’s fadeout loss to Collingwood.

The reigning premier has lost three of its past five matches – to Geelong, Western Bulldogs and the Magpies –Despite leading two of those by about four goals in the first half and the other by 11 points early.

Melbourne dominated Collingwood in inside 50s, clearances and center clearances, especially in the opening two quarters, but never led by more than 23 points and was run down in a seven-goals-to-three second half.

The Demons also coughed up match-winning advantages in defeats to Fremantle, Sydney and the Magpies in rounds 11 to 13, so it’s not a new problem.

“We’re very disappointed that we lost (on Friday night). I was extremely disappointed the next day – probably as flat as I’ve been after a game,” Lever said.

“I thought that we played some good footy in the first half and it has been a little bit of a trend at the minute of us starting well and then not being able to finish.

“I’m sure we’ll touch on it but we’re pretty disappointed. But to Collingwood’s credit, they just found a way.”

Lever suggested the unenviable record might owe to Melbourne falling into a bad habit of thinking more about the result than the process as they try to lock in a top-four berth in the next fortnight.

“We didn’t take our chances and we’re sitting here without the four points and we’ve got a pretty important couple of weeks coming up,” he said.

“It’s obviously pretty important (to make the top four) – I think history suggests that. But the good thing is it’s kind of in our own hands now.

“I haven’t done the maths, but I think that if we win the next two, we probably finish top four, so that’s super important for us.”

The Demons face Carlton (MCG) and Brisbane (Gabba) in the final two rounds, with the Blues’ two-headed forward monster of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay presenting a significant challenge.

But Lever said it was an “exciting” opportunity for he and his fellow defenders, particularly after the Pies’ hectic ball movement brought them unstuck last week.

“You look at their names up there and they’ve got some serious talent,” he said.

“I think Charlie’s kicked 60 goals this year, and Harry wouldn’t be far behind, so we know that they’ve got a lot of scoring power up there.

“But, for us, and especially with guys like Steven May, ‘Hibbo’ (Michael Hibberd) and Harry Petty, they thrive off that sort of stuff… we’ll be looking forward to the challenge.”

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South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell ready to fire in first NRL finals series since 2019

South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell ready to fire in first NRL finals series since 2019

Latrell Mitchell says September football is “what I live for” as he eyes off four upcoming blockbuster club clashes and playing finals footy in a Rabbitohs jersey for the first time.

Mitchell, who starred in the 38-point walloping of the Warriors on Saturday with a personal haul of 24 points to lift South Sydney to sixth position on the ladder, has not played in a final since winning the 2019 decider with the Roosters.

Since joining the Rabbitohs he missed the 2020 finals series with a ruptured hamstring tendon and last year’s finals due to suspension.

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He has a sensational record in football finals, winning six of seven games and two premierships with the Roosters. He throws in five tries, with a try in each of his first five appearances, and it is his time to shine.

The 25-year-old custodian is not satisfied with what he has done. It is what comes next that drives him. Winning a competition with South Sydney is his quest from him, but huge games against the Eels, Panthers, Cowboys and Roosters in the next month could make or break the Rabbitohs

“I just love the pressure of this time of year. I love the competitiveness. It is what I live for. I strive for that,” Mitchell said.

“When you know what semi-finals tastes like, it is where you want to be.

Latrell Mitchell starred for the Rabbitohs against the Warriors. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“Let’s focus on getting there first… but it would be a different feeling winning [a title] here at South Sydney. I know the passion of the South Sydney fans, members, sponsors and investors… everyone who has put their blood, sweat and tears into it. It is time to repay that.

“I am definitely putting my hand up to do that because I haven’t played [finals] since 2019 and I am really excited to feel the pressure and see what unfolds.

“The next month, I think it is definitely what we need. It is only going to be a positive for us. It will outline a few things that we need to work on. This week’s done. Next week is Parra’.”

Mitchell said he had learned a lot about getting the best out of himself, while reflecting on his three-year absence from the business end of the season.

“That is a real eye opener, but it is a disappointing thing as well… with injury and suspension. Things happen in a split second,” he said.

“I have taken a lot of things out of the last three years, just with my growth. I’ve learned how to be a better teammate, and a better dad off the field as well. When your off-field is making you happy it translates into your footy, and vice-versa. I am continuing to build my legacy.

“I want to keep working on the little things and put myself in the best position.”

The Rabbitohs have won five of six matches since Mitchell’s return from a nine-week absence due to a hamstring injury suffered in round five. After putting the Warriors to the sword, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou said Mitchell’s best of him was yet to come in the next month.

The Rabbitohs fullback said the entire side had another gear.

“We still haven’t got our full strength back yet,” Mitchell said. We still have Campbell Graham to come back into the team and a few others. It is exciting. It is a great time of the year to give everyone a taste and see where our depth is at.”

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Izak Rankine Adelaide Crows contract offer, Touk Miller and Tony Cochrane urge him to stay at Gold Coast Suns

Izak Rankine Adelaide Crows contract offer, Touk Miller and Tony Cochrane urge him to stay at Gold Coast Suns

Gold Coast’s leadership group has made an impassioned plea for out-of-contract young star Izak Rankine to reject Adelaide’s advances and remain a Sun.

News Corp revealed last week that the Crows were making a major play for Rankine, offering him a five-year deal worth as much as $800,000 per season to return to his home state.

Gold Coast is highly unlikely to match that financial offer and will instead rely on convincing him that his best chance of realizing his potential is at the Suns, while still being willing to pay him about $650,000 a year.

Adelaide is increasingly confident Rankine will request a trade to play for Matthew Nicks’ side, but that wouldn’t come until after Gold Coast’s season ends.

Suns chairman Tony Cochrane told News Corp on Monday they would do “all we can to retain him”.

“I think the club has proven over four years we’re doing everything possible to keep him there and obviously he’s a required player,” Cochrane said.

Izak Rankine is weighing up a five-year offer from the Crows. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“We’ve got a great association and relationship with Izak, as everyone has around the club. He’s bought a house up here, he’s very much settled in up here, so that’s just our position for the moment.

“He’s an incredibly popular person around the club. I know first-hand how much time and effort people like (coach) Stuart Dew have put into him and, importantly, I know how highly Stuart rates him.

“He’s got that message loud and clear at the Gold Coast footy club.”

Co-captain Touk Miller also made it clear that convincing the “special” small forward to stay was a top priority, having already re-signed Ben King, Jack Lukosius, Ben Ainsworth, Elijah Hollands and Mac Andrew this year.

“I know there’s a lot of speculation around him and his future, but for us we really want him to be at this club. He’s a special person, a special player,” Miller said.

“We’ve gone to him and had a few chats about how much he means to us and means to the club, so whether that plays a part in the decision, hopefully it does.

Stay or go? Izak Rankine has a big call to make on his playing future. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“As a leadership group; that’s part of what you have to do. This club wants success, and he can be a key part of that.”

Miller sympathized with Rankine’s situation as he weighs up a career- and life-changing decision, especially with the Suns looking to have turned the corner as a club.

“I know speculation like that can make it really hard around the club and can make things awkward and nervous, but we want him to feel as comfortable as possible, feel like he can still be himself and play his best footy,” he said.

“He’s human. I can say it’s not easy for him and you probably do have your head down a bit more. In saying that, we’ve still got a lot of good things out of him on game day.

“I’m not in his head, I can’t exactly say what he’s going to do, but we really want him to stay. He’s such a special part and key part to our club going forward. We’d love to have him.”

Miller was famously forthright with ex-Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch when he revealed in 2018 he was exercising his free agency rights to join Richmond after meeting with several Melbourne-based clubs.

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