The Adelaide Crows have confirmed Josh Rachele and Jake Soligo have both extended their contracts with the club until the end of 2025 on mutli-year extensions.
The two draftees, who are both yet to begin their AFL careers, are regarded by the club as stars of the future.
Rachele was taken with pick number six in this year's AFL draw, while Soligo was taken at pick number 36 by the South Australian franchise, with the duo being the club's first two picks in the draft.
Rachele, who is a forward, was rated by most as one of the better players in his position prior to the draft, having played for the Murray Bushrangers last year.
He said in a club statement that he has felt at home since arriving in Adelaide.
“Coming to the Club it didn’t take me long to realise everyone is on board with the direction we are heading, there are no egos, we have an exciting young list and a good coaching group and we are all striving for success,” he said.
“Everyone has been really welcoming since I got here and I’m very pleased to sign a contract extension and keep building on my first pre-season.”
Soligo, on the other hand, said he has spent plenty of time with Rory Laird over the summer. The midfielder, who played for Eastern Ranges in 2021, averaged 23 touches per game throughout the year.
“All the boys have been super-welcoming and I’ve spent a fair bit of time with Lairdy, asking him heaps of questions and just trying to be a sponge and learn as much as I can,” he said.
“We have a talented young group, everyone works hard and keeps each other accountable and that’s something I really like about the Club.”
Adelaide list manager Justin Reid said it was exciting for the club that both players had extended their deals.
“It’s very pleasing both Jake and Josh have extended their contracts after only a short time in our program,” Reid said.
“I think that is a reflection of the environment they’ve come into, which is being driven by their teammates, coaches and staff at the footy club.
“Both guys have fitted in seamlessly over summer and earnt respect for their attitude and work ethic on and off the track.
“They’ve already shown some of the weapons that got them drafted and we are excited about seeing them in a Crows guernsey not only this year but in the long-term as well.”
