Rankin and Leeton goalkeeper Jarrod Sillis were named as joint winners of the Pascoe Cup player of the year after the Sharks 2-1 extra-time loss to Hanwood on Sunday night.

While touched by the individual honour, Rankin couldn't hide his disappointment.

"It is not really what I came here for but it is nice recognition from the referees," Rankin said. "I wanted the Pascoe Cup championship more than anything.

"It is nice to win it and I'm happy to win it but I just wish I won it with a Pascoe Championship.

"That is what we play for."

Lake Albert took an early lead before being ultimately sunk by two special strikes from Joey Schirripa.

Rankin wasn't disappointed with their performance.

"We gave them everything we had and they were too good in the end," he said.

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