From explaining his increased midfield role to discussing the origins of his soccer-inspired goal celebrations, Crows livewire Josh Rachele joined Vice Captain Ben Keays for a chat on this week’s episode of The Crows Show.
Cruising around teammate Darcy Fogarty’s farm in the Toyota Tundra, the pair spoke about the following topics.
Rachele on his increased midfield role
Rachele has impressed in his increase of midfield minutes this season, averaging career highs in disposals (20.8 per game), clearances (3.8) and tackles (3.4).
“I am loving my time in the midfield, but am also missing my time up forward, I’ll always be a forward at heart,” Rachele said.
“Playing in the midfield it’s been great to learn off some of the older boys, shout out to Daws, and then to play on some of the best players in the competition like Bontempelli and Daicos - it’s a great time.
“Having played as a forward, you know you want the ball to come in quick and hit that last line of an opposition's defence, so when I’m on the ball I’m really trying to utilise that knowledge and use it to my advantage.”
The young group driving the Club forward
Rachele forms part of a 2021 draft crop which features housemates Jake Soligo and Luke Nankervis, along with small forward Zac Taylor.
He spoke about the close connection of the group, both on and off the field, and the overall strength of the Club’s core of young players.
“We have a great friendship, we (Luke, Jake and I) have lived together for the past four years, and shout out to Zaccy Taylor as well, it’s great to see all of us boys from that 2021 draft playing good footy and contributing to the Club,” Rachele said.
“We all love each other’s company, and it’s just been great to build a connection with not just those boys but the entire crop of younger boys, we’ve got a great group of one-to-five year players which will really help the Club in the years ahead.”
His soccer inspired goal celebration
Rachele has adopted a new trademark goal celebration for 2026, seeking inspiration from Juventus soccer star, Kenan Yildiz.
He revealed why he decided to recreate the celebration and his connection to the Italian powerhouse soccer Club.
“This season’s celebration was definitely planned, the Yildiz one, shout-out to our boy Darren Burgess over at Juventus for the inspiration with that one,” Rachele said.
“In the past there were probably times I was thinking about it too much, practicing it the night before, but I do love a soccer celebration.
“There’s nothing better than when you kick a nice goal and get the crowd up and about.”
Watch the full chat with Rachele, a unique insight into our one-point Showdown win and more on this week's episode of the Crows Show, airing at 11am this Sunday on Channel 7 Adelaide.
