Adelaide had Carlton’s measure by 28 points in the Gather Round opener at Adelaide Oval last week, and at the forefront of the Crows’ onslaught was Rachele, slamming home four first-half goals and collecting 26 disposals rolling through the forward line and midfield.
His early impact proved pivotal as a second-half downpour put a dampener on proceedings, and with an equal team-high six clearances the live wire continues to enjoy an industrious season.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks praised the 23-year-old as a “student of the game” following his best-on-ground performance, but tempered expectations on the young guns’ midfield influence.
“We’ve been pleased with what he’s brought,” Nicks said post-game.
“Josh is still working on the midfield part, but it’s getting better and better every week.
“If you go back to the Geelong game he played an outstanding game.
“Not his best last week [against Fremantle]; we went to work on a few areas and he came out and did it again, a student of the game - he’s a pro.
“This might be me as a coach trying to keep it level, but he’s a weapon if we get things right around him and give him a chance to win the ball.
“He’s still got so much he can improve on but we’re pleased to see he’s doing some good stuff in the midfield.”
Meanwhile, Seymour export Sam Durham helped Essendon snap a torrid run of form with a goal and 16 touches in the Bombers’ jaw-dropping upset win over Melbourne, torching the Dees by 45 points.
GWS eased to a 56-point triumph over Richmond and unsurprisingly, former Shepparton Bears star Lachie Ash was in the thick of the action with 35 disposals and 932 metres gained.
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