Rankine missed Adelaide's last three matches of last year, including the 2025 minor premiers' straight-sets finals exit, along with Saturday's 14-point round one win over Collingwood, as he served a four-match suspension for using a homophobic slur.
The star forward/midfielder was unable to play in Adelaide's pre-season matches due to a hamstring strain.
But coach Matthew Nicks was adamant that hadn't set back plans for Rankine's pencilled-in return date.
"We had to stop him running out tonight, right?" Nicks said after the 13.15 (93) to 11.13 (79) win at the MCG on Saturday night.
"So he's chomping at the bit. In fact, we're trying to pull him back a little at the moment Izak, but he's ready to go.
"So with everything going well this week with training and so on, he'll play next week.
"But again, we've still going to train the main session and get through that, but he's in great nick."
All eyes will undoubtedly be on the star Crow ahead of Friday night's clash at the Adelaide Oval.
Nicks indicated Rankine could play a role in both midfield and up forward against the Bulldogs, who beat reigning premiers Brisbane first up then thumped GWS on Saturday.
"I would say we're playing, and it's only a small amount of data, but I think we're playing the most in-form team," Nicks said.
"They look extremely tough to beat at the moment, so it's going to be a cracking game, and a big challenge for us next week.
"Izak will play wherever that ball is, hopefully."
Spearhead Riley Thilthorpe spent time in the midfield against Collingwood along with kicking three goals.
Nicks praised the different dynamic Thilthorpe's size and ground ball game brought to Adelaide's midfield and indicated he would keep testing it.
"We're mindful on on how often we do that - it's similar to Izak Rankine in a way," Nicks said.
"We don't want them too far from goals because of what they can do there, but at the same time, we want them around the football.
"So it'll depend on how the game's playing out and what we do in that space."
13°C