Adelaide Crows young star Josh Rachele has signed the papers to extend his time as a Crow until 2029. Rachele had previously been signed to have his contract finish in 2025.

The 20-year-old was the sixth pick in the 2021 draft and has since captured the hearts of the Crows' faithful. His 16-goal year so far is set to be his best if he kicks one more to equal his tally from his first season.

Adelaide Crows list manager, Justin Reid shared his enthusiasm for retaining Rachele.

“We've all seen the class that Josh brings to our team,” he said

“We were delighted when we secured him on draft night in 2021 and are even more delighted that he will be with us for at least the next six years.

“He is a constant threat around goal when he's playing forward and has shown his ball-winning ability in the midfield, as well as a strong defensive mindset to pressure and tackle the opposition.

“As impressive as he has been in his first two seasons, there is still a lot of growth to come in his game and we are thrilled that it will continue to be in a Crows guernsey.”

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Josh Rachele and Luke Pedlar of the Crows celebrate a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 07 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Collingwood Magpies at Adelaide Oval on April 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Rachele equally spoke of his excitement in staying with the club and wanting to go the distance at the Crows.

“I'm really happy with where the Club is heading at the moment,” Rachele said.

“And I think that shows with the number of signings we've announced in the last couple of weeks.

“The Club has been really good with my family and I have enjoyed my time here so much, I had no intentions of going home at all, and in this next period of time I really want us to have some success.”

Rachele is currently ranked 'elite' for his with 16.77 disposals, 4.5 marks per game and total of 78 scoring involvements in 2023.