Rankine has missed the past two games because of a calf strain but appears certain to return when the Crows host Melbourne on Saturday.
Rankine trained fully at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday and is set to replace Luke Pedlar (hamstring).
"He has been really good in rehab, he's been really diligent and professional," teammate Darcy Fogarty said of Rankine.
"He got through all of training and, yeah, he's definitely putting his hand up and he's excited to go."
The sixth-placed Crows will also summon veteran forward Taylor Walker, who has served a one-match suspension, for the clash against the fourth-placed Demons.
Fogarty said the return of the two key players created a selection squeeze.
"It's always good to have healthy competition for spots," he said.
"There's going to be some headaches in the selection meeting."
Since their bye, the Crows have pipped perennial finalists Geelong by one point and, last week, demolished the Western Bulldogs by 57 points.
"Have we turned a corner? Yes," Fogarty said.
"We're just starting to click and simplify our game plan a little bit and it's just really exciting.
"Everyone's on the same page ... we have got some boys coming back in, so there's a buzz and excitement around the group at the moment."
Crows captain Jordan Dawson has recorded perfect 10s in coaches votes in the past two wins, leaving Fogarty and teammates in awe.
Dawson's hot form has come amid off-field trauma, with the death of his older brother in mid May.
"It has been well documented what he's gone through," Fogarty said.
"And how he's been able to play through that, it's just a real testament to his character.
"He's the ultimate professional and leader.
"To go through all that and and play some really good football is pretty inspiring ... it's pretty cool to take a step back at times and admire what he's done."Â
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