Rankine is off-contract at season’s end but was long expected to re-sign with the club he joined as the third pick in the 2018 draft.

The 22-year-old’s future is, however, up in the air after a lucrative offer from Adelaide to entice Rankine back to his home state was placed on the table.

Rankine’s stock has never been higher, having a career-best season with the Suns including 27 goals in 17 games.

As speculation over Rankine’s future has intensified, defender Sean Lemmens believes both player and club have done well to not let it affect on-field performance.

“He’s a professional athlete and we’re a professional organisation,” Lemmens told AAP.

“We don’t treat these last two weeks any differently.

“He’s part of our team at the moment and it’s his choice and decision going forward but we think his best footy lies with us and we’re a great club for him.”

Nick Holman arrived at the Suns in 2018, months before co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May both left the club at the end of that season.

Their departures marked a turning point for the club, which has locked down its best young talent to long-term deals since then, including key names such as Ben King, Jack Lukosius and current co-captain Touk Miller.

Holman says while the final decision is in Rankine’s court, he is adamant the forward wouldn’t regret staying on at Gold Coast.

“He really loves the club, and we love him,” Holman told AAP.

“So he’s got a decision to make and we’ll definitely support him through that but we’d definitely love him to stay.

“We’re building a strong culture and it’s a good place to be. We’re all good mates and we’re definitely building something on the field.”

– AAP