Adelaide ace Izak Rankine says he's come a long way as a person since his AFL ban for a homophobic slur.
Rankine contemplated quitting the sport in the aftermath of his four-game suspension in August last year.
At the time, Rankine didn't leave his house for days while his sanction was being decided before being sent overseas to avoid the proverbial spotlight.
Now, he's relishing being back in a literal spotlight - on Monday night the keen musician performed on-stage with singer Guy Sebastian at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
"I have come a long way, obviously," Rankine told reporters on Tuesday.
"But I feel like I've always been that sort of (outgoing) person.
"And just to be able to show the world the sort of guy I am and, you know, show that anyone can sort of bounce back from anything.
"No matter what you're going through or what you've been through, you can always bounce back and be a better person."
Rankine said support from not just his family and football club was vital to emerging from his ban.
"Obviously being an Adelaide boy, I know how close and small Adelaide is, so I definitely feel the love," he said.
"Especially playing for such a big club, the community has got around me and I have absolutely loved the support I have got."
Rankine was suspended for a homophobic remark to Collingwood's Isaac Quaynor in an August 16 game last season.
His four-match sanction ruled him out of Adelaide's finals campaign - the minor premiers crashed out with consecutive home losses - and also this year's season opener.
On his return, the 26-year-old took time to rediscover his dynamic best.
"Being out of the game for so long, not playing for seven months, you can't just come straight in and dominate, which is, I guess, what a lot of people expected," he said.
"But you have to build your legs again and build the confidence again and put that smile back on your face, and I feel like I have found that over the last couple of weeks.
"When we're winning it feels a lot better, I'm feeling a bit more happier, so it's nice."
Rankine produced his best midfield display in Adelaide's 37-point win against Richmond on Sunday: a career-high 33 disposals, one goal, eight inside 50s and nine tackles.
"I love playing around the ball and wherever the ball is, I want to be," said Rankine, who was previously renowned as a forward.
