A late Izak Rankine tackle on Isaac Heeney helped Adelaide hold off a surging home side in a wet AFL clash at the SCG.
With about seven minutes remaining in the final quarter of round 19, Heeney collected a looping handball from Braeden Campbell and appeared to have room to move inside 50.
Heeney was close to the boundary, with Rankine approaching from his right. Despite being significantly bigger and stronger, Heeney was unable to break free when Rankine wrapped him up in the tackle.
Heeney managed to free one arm and tried to dispose of the ball, but Rankine turned him during the contest. Both players fell to the ground as the ball spilled loose.
The Crows cleared the danger and held on to win, with Rankine’s effort coming at a crucial point as the home team pressed forward.
The tackle carried particular significance in the context of Rankine’s season and career, arriving in one of the match’s defining moments.
