Josh Rachele

Joshua Rachele (/rəˈʃɛli/ rə-SHELL-ee; born 11 April 2003) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Adelaide Crows in the Australian Football League (AFL).

He was selected by the Adelaide Crows with their first pick, the sixth overall, in the 2021 AFL draft. He previously played for the Murray Bushrangers in the NAB League and the Shepparton Swans Football Club in the Goulburn Valley League. He was educated at Notre Dame College, Shepparton and Caulfield Grammar School.

Rachele had had an opportunity to play soccer professionally but chose Australian rules football instead. He was part of the academy for Melbourne City FC and the under-17s Australian team.

He has Italian and Greek heritage.

Rachele made an immediate impact at the Crows, kicking five goals on debut against Fremantle in the opening round of the 2022 AFL season. In Round 4, Rachele received a Rising Star nomination in Adelaide's game against Essendon, in which Rachele took 9 marks, kicked 3 goals, and collected 19 disposals.

Rachele became a fan favourite player across the competition in 2023, and became known for his goal celebrations imitating the likes of Tim Cahill and Kylian Mbappé. On June 21, 2023, Rachele signed a contract extension which would keep him at the club until 2029. At the time, this was the longest current-standing contract of any player at Adelaide, equal with fellow draftee Jake Soligo.

Updated to the end of round 14, 2023.

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