His brothers Cliff and Doug as well as his father Teddy and other members of the family played league football for Geelong.

Rankin started his career as a forward, but played most of his football as a centreman.

It turned out to be Bert Rankin's last season in the league as, controversially, he lost his spot in the side during the finals and walked out on the club.

[3] Rankin made his senior VFL debut one year and 320 days after the retirement of his father; a VFL/AFL record.

[4] After the disappointment of the 1923 season, Rankin left Geelong to coach the Dimboola Football Club.