Adelaide veteran Rory Laird has sung the praises of teammate Josh Rachele and his commitment to playing his role for the team.
Rachele is in the midst of a standout 2025 campaign, averaging 13.4 disposals, 6.5 score involvements and 2.1 goals per game.
The 22-year-old’s rich vein of form was on display in the Crows’ Round 11 win against West Coast, where he booted an equal career-high five goals to go along with 16 disposals and nine score involvements.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Laird highlighted the influence Rachele was having on the side.
“The way he’s playing his role for the team is nearly the best we’ve got at the moment,” Laird said.
“Josh understands where he is now and what’s working for him, and that’s why he’s playing such good footy.
“He’s doing things you probably don’t see as much on the TV, obviously you see his goals and his flair and skill really stands out, but the stuff he’s doing around stoppage when he goes up there and team things off the ball have been incredible.
“As a result he’s getting the rewards which is great to see, he does that team stuff and he ends up kicking five last week, so it’s great for Josh and us as a team.”
The play of Rachele has not been the only impressive aspect of the Crows’ game over the past month.
Adelaide’s defence has conceded an average of just 68.5 points in its past four games, after it experienced some high scores against in the early parts of the season.
“Not too much has changed in terms of structure, first of all our mids have made things a little bit easier on us backs with their pressure around the ball,” the defender said on the Crows’ defensive improvement.
“Once the ball is not coming in as quick, it makes things a bit easier for us defenders to halve those contests.
“Big credit must also go to some of the guys we’ve got down there, Josh Worrell, Jordon Butts, Mark Keane, the big aerial guys are playing some great footy which is making it easy for us smaller defenders to impact.”
The Crows are preparing for a critical three-week period leading into the bye, where they face 2024 grand finalists Sydney and Brisbane, before fellow finals contender Hawthorn.
“You obviously don’t want to look too far ahead, but we’ve got really three strong teams to go and play against before our bye,” Laird said.
“They are three huge tests that could really shape the season. I think we are in a good position, but it’s a very even season and a lot can happen very quickly.
“Six day break heading into Sydney is a quick turnaround, so our focus is solely on them and then we’ll get onto the others when those games come around.”
Adelaide faces Sydney at the SCG this Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7.05pm (ACST).
