Draft Report: The versatile Rankin was on his way to school when he got a call up to join the NAB AFL Academy squad for training in April, before going on to play in the side's clash against Geelong's VFL team the next day. He had a limited impact in that match, but had plenty of teammates in the same boat. The cousin of leading AFL player agent Paul Connors, Rankin rotated with Oakleigh Chargers teammate Nick Daicos in a midfield and forward role in the opening rounds of the NAB League season and shapes as a strong draft prospect. An elite runner, Rankin works hard both ways and has explosive speed out of the contest. Despite his size, he can impact in the air and can also hit the scoreboard in attack. Some say he can do things with the footy that others in the draft pool can't