Josh Rachele

Joshua Jason Rachele was born on April 11, 2003, in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. With Italian and Greek heritage, Rachele’s early career showcased his versatile athletic talent. He initially had an opportunity to pursue professional soccer, being part of the Melbourne City FC academy and the under-17s Australian team, but ultimately chose Australian rules football. He played for the Murray Bushrangers in the NAB League and the Shepparton Swans Football Club in the Goulburn Valley League. During his time with the Murray Bushrangers, he demonstrated significant potential by booting 11 goals in four games and averaging 18.5 disposals, 6.3 marks, and 3.8 tackles, leading to his selection in the AFL Draft.

Rachele was drafted to the Adelaide Crows with their first pick, the sixth overall, in the 2021 AFL National Draft. He made an immediate impact, debuting in Round 1, 2022, against Fremantle and kicking five goals. His strong performance earned him a Rising Star nomination in Round 4, 2022, where he collected 19 disposals, took 9 marks, and kicked 3 goals against Essendon. Throughout his career, Rachele has accumulated notable achievements, including being named in the 22 Under 22 team three times (2023, 2024, 2025).

His career progression has seen him become a key player for the Crows. In 2023, his second season, he played 21 games and kicked 23 goals. The 2024 season saw him feature in 22 AFL matches, where he kicked a career-best 30 goals. On June 21, 2023, Rachele signed a contract extension keeping him with the Adelaide Crows until 2029, reflecting his value to the club. As of the end of the 2025 season, he has played 70 games and kicked 97 goals. His talent and impact on the field continue to be recognized within the league.