ELECTRIC Adelaide forward Josh Rachele can add to his pile of birthday gifts on Monday a round four NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
During the heartstopping clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, Rachele was superb, booting three goals, taking nine marks, and picking up 19 classy touches for the Crows.
Rachele, who was drafted by Adelaide last year with the No.6 pick, has burst on to the scene in 2022 and is unlucky not to have already received a NAB AFL Rising Star nom.
In his first game of AFL, Rachele booted five goals, only to be pipped by an outrageous performance from Essendon rookie Nic Martin who also jagged five to go with his 27 possessions.
Rachele had 20 disposals and a goal in round two, and inserted himself into the R3 Showdown with a goal to complete a spectacular start to his AFL career.
RISING STARS Latest nominees here
Coach Matthew Nicks said the young gun had made an immediate impact at the Crows.
"I really enjoy watching Josh and the way he plays his footy," Nicks said. "He's going to be a great footballer for this footy club and we're just glad we've got him on our side."
During his junior football days, Rachele was considered a classy, clean, bubbly forward who can light up the front half, and he has brought those exact traits into the AFL.
He played Auskick before joining the Shepparton Swans in the Goulburn Valley Junior Football League.
The small forward also represented Australia in the U17 soccer team and was a member of the Melbourne City Youth Squad.
He turned 19 on Monday, April 11, but unfortunately for Josh the Match Review Officer didn't want to come to the party, slapping Rachele with a $3000 fine ($2000 with an early plea) for striking.
