The Shepparton Swans product has hit the ground running in the new AFL campaign, kicking two goals in Adelaide’s monster 63-point win over St Kilda in round one before backing it up with four more as the Crows beat Essendon 25.11 (161) to 15.10 (100).
But for a time, things weren’t looking so rosy for the 21-year-old.
He was controversially dropped for the final game of the 2024 season by coach Matthew Nicks following a loss to Port Adelaide in the Showdown round, spurred on by Rachele’s jab at the Power fans before and during the match.
At the time, Rachele’s teammate Rory Laird was quick to criticise his actions.
But now, after seeing the silky goal sneak with a spark back in his eye, Laird is backing Rachele all the way as Adelaide seeks to continue its white-hot form in 2025.
“If anyone's watching Josh – not only Josh, our forward line in general – there's a really big group buy in, in terms of getting the best shots at goal, celebrating with teammates,” Laird said.
“Just Josh's unselfishness at the moment, in how he's playing and setting up his teammates, he's getting into really good positions on the field.
“It's not only Josh, it's actually coming as a really collective effort up there and it's really enjoyable to see.
“I'm playing back and I can see it unfolding, it's great for me to watch and as a team we're really celebrating that.”
Recently, AFL.com.au listed every club’s best debut performance since the turn of the century, and heading up the list was none other than Rachele.
After being taken at pick six in the 2021 AFL Draft, the small forward announced himself on the national stage with five goals against Fremantle in round one of the 2022 campaign.
It’s clear Rachele has bottled lightning stored in his boots and if he can regularly uncork it this season, 2025 could be a massive year for the Crows’ dynamo.
