Adelaide midfielder Jake Soligo will notch his 100th game when the Crows face Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

The Victorian product has enjoyed a rapid rise since being selected by the Crows with Pick No.36 in the 2021 AFL Draft, establishing himself as a key part of Adelaide’s side across the past five seasons.

To mark Soligo’s milestone, best friends and teammates Josh Rachele and Luke Nankervis sat down to reflect on his journey so far, sharing stories and insights into the player and person he has become.

Drafted alongside Soligo in 2021, the trio have lived together for much of their time in SA, forging a strong bond from the outset, both on and off the field.

“It's been a big journey for Jake, Luke, and I,” Rachele said

“When we first got drafted, we all got chucked in a van to travel across from Melbourne to Adelaide, we couldn't fly because of Covid, but from the get go, all three of us just had the same focus with training and working hard, so that connection came quite quickly.

“Luke moved in with Jake within the first kind of five to six months, and then I joined later in the year, and since then I think we've seen so much growth in Soli as a person and as a leader.

”It’s just such a fantastic achievement that he's playing 100 games in his fifth year, which just shows professionalism and how consistent he's been.”

Nankervis said watching Soligo’s development firsthand had made reaching the milestone even more special, having shared the journey together since arriving at the Club in 2021.

“It was love at first sight, as soon as we got on the bus… Nah, it was pretty awkward to start with,” Nankervis said.

“I still remember one or two weeks into training, all three of us were together getting ready for training, and you could see each other's personalities starting to come out, and we were starting to get comfortable with each other, so that’s when our friendship really started to get going, and everyone's quirkiness and weirdness came out. 

“We’ve been best mates ever since, really, so it will be pretty exciting just to run out there with him, and to have all his family there.

“I still can't believe he's hitting 100 games already, it feels like only yesterday that we came in here. It will just be so awesome to see his family's reaction, and hopefully he goes well.”

On Soligo’s ‘quirks’

While Soligo is known for his professionalism and consistency on the field, Rachele and Nankervis revealed there’s a different side to him at home, where a few quirky habits have become housemate legend.

“We’ve had some funny things, he has to have a nap at a certain time,” Rachele said.

“It was only last year that we're mucking around before the game, and something went on the roof, and Nank was climbing the roof and woke Soli up from his nap, and he was really angry with Nank.

“He also used to make this signature sweet chili pasta dish, which was boiled pasta, and then he’d put a big bottle of sweet chili sauce, which you normally use for dim sims and potato cakes, and on top with some cheese.”

Nankervis said Soligo had a pre-game ritual that he never skipped.

“He's very particular in all the prep he does,” Nankervis said. 

“That's probably one of his quirks, he needs to have his bag perfectly packed the night before every game.”

Underrated footy attributes

Nankervis and Rachele have seen firsthand what makes Soligo such a valuable teammate and say there are traits of his that often go unnoticed.

“He's actually a really good contested mark,” Nankervis said.

“He's very smart with how he uses his body. He's built like a fridge, but he actually moves pretty well.”

Rachele said Soligo’s ability to play whatever role the team needs him to that sets him apart.

“His versatility is something I think people overlook,” Rachele said.

“He was drafted as a midfielder, but he's played a variety of roles, like mid, on a wing, a half-forward.

“His ability just to adapt, I think, is what helps him be consistent in the way he's been able to play 100 games pretty quickly.”

More than just a teammate

Away from football, Soligo has genuine care for others, according to Rachele and Nankervis.

The pair highlighted the relationships he has built across the Club and the quiet impact he has on those around him.

“He has a lot of relationships with so many people at the club, from our first years to some of our older guys, and I think that just started with him living with Reilly O'Brien,” Rachele said.

“He was never the most outgoing person when he first got drafted, but since coming here he's always calling up boys, inviting boys to come out for breakfasts, or if we're doing something like going to the movies, or if someone just needs a chat, he’s there.

“A nice story about Jake is that he does a lot of things, like catching up with his player sponsors or kids that are a bit disadvantaged, and he's not one to promote it and tell everyone that, or he's doing it to be recognised.

“He does all this kind stuff behind-the-scenes from the heart, and I think that's like something really, really special.”

Nankervis agreed.

“He's just a real lovable egg, he can be a bit of a pest, but also just the lovable one of the group, I would say,” Nankervis said.

“He also helps a lot of people behind the scenes. He does a lot of charity stuff, where he goes and spends time with kids with disadvantages and stuff like that, so he’s definitely really compassionate.

“He's always down to do something, whether it's go bike riding or just go for a walk, or whatever it is.

“He is terrible at telling stories, though.”

On how he’s handled this year

Soligo had a tough start to the season, missing a practice match in February after it was found he had an irregular heartbeat. 

He successfully underwent a minimally invasive heart procedure (a cardiac ablation) to correct the issue and quickly returned to training.

After building up his fitness and lining up in the first five games of 2026, an ankle injury sustained in the Crows’ Gather Round win against Carlton forced him onto the sidelines again.

He returned through the SANFL, before earning selection into the AFL side for Showdown 59, and has played every game since.

Rachele said the boys were proud of how Soligo had handled the setbacks he faced earlier this year.

“He’s done a body of work that's helped him be consistent and play a lot of good football, but there were some times where we were chatting to him earlier this year where it got pretty scary,” Rachele said.

“He didn't really know how bad it was, and if it was going to really impact his future going forward.

“It's just a credit to him, he had a pretty interrupted pre-season, but still got back to play Round One, and then was in-and-out of form, but for him just to go back and dominate the SANFL and show why he's one of our best players was amazing.

“You just saw on the weekend (against West Coast) that he can play some really good football, and it’s been really good to see him, especially since the bye, get back to some really good form.”

Rachele also reflected on celebrating with Soligo after he kicked the first goal of the game against the Eagles last week.

“All three of us, really, if we can either help each other get a goal, or even when Nank comes from the backline to kick a couple of goals, it makes us all very excited,” Rachele said.

“I think being that younger group, we've got a lot of energy, and we do bring that when we need to.

“Jake kicking that goal, and it was a very important goal, showed his strengths and his composure to go back and do that.

“I was just rapt for him.”

Nankervis said reaching 100 games was a reflection of Soligo's relentless work ethic and consistency.

“He's just so dedicated to his craft and so particular in everything he does,” Nankervis said.

“I think that's held him in good stead, and he’s been able to play some really good footy over 100 games, which is quite scary to think about.

“It’s gone so quick, and I’m so happy for Soli.”

Adelaide faces Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 7.40pm.

Tickets available here.