Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says they need to ‘take care of’ dangerous Adelaide star Izak Rankine

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says they need to make sure they “take care of” Adelaide star Izak Rankine as they prepare for the first of consecutive Friday night clashes at the Adelaide Oval.

Rankine is set to play his third game since he was suspended for four games for an on-field homophobic slur last year, which cost him a chance to participate in the Crows’ finals campaign.

The 25-year-old has been quiet upon his return, averaging only 11 touches and a goal, but it hasn’t stopped Longmuir from being on alert when it comes to the dynamic footballer’s potential match-winning ways.

“We definitely need to look at match-ups on him, he’s a dangerous player and can impact in the midfield and as a forward,” he told 7NEWS.

“It’s his third game back now, his fitness would be building each week, and we need to make sure we take care of him.”

Geelong stopper Oisin Mullin successfully restricted him around the ground especially after half-time when the Crow touched it only twice.

Rankine also spent significant time on the bench in the final term when the game was on the line.

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said Rankine would build into the season as his cohesion with teammates grew.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen Izak a lot through the pre-season, so to have him back in now for two games, getting him going again, there’s a few teething issues with it,” he said.

“No doubt he’s getting his touch back ... he’ll start to come into his own, and he’ll get back to what he was doing when we were at our best.”

Meanwhile, Longmuir said he was “really confident” Young would be available to either return to take on the Magpies or the western derby the following week.

“He’s progressing really well, going through the different phases of his rehab,” he said.

“It’s not a definitive time, but we’re hoping it’s one of those two weeks.”

And Longmuir said forward Michael Frederick was unlikely to return for their Gather Round clash against Collingwood next week as he continues to deal with an ankle injury he sustained in the pre-season.

“It’s probably optimistic ... he’s definitely progressing really well with that ankle, but it’s probably more likely going to be the week after,” he said.

“If he’s saying he’s going to be ready for Gather Round, I’ll keep my options open.”