Adelaide are reportedly set to drop young forward Josh Rachele from their side for the Crows' Round 24 trip to face Sydney.
Rachele has made headlines over the past week, having created a storm among fans in South Australia after jokingly aiming at Port Adelaide supporters in the lead-up to last week's Showdown.
Criticism of his comments on local radio referring to 'toothless' Power fans was reignited during Adelaide's loss to their state rivals on Saturday when Rachele pointed to his teeth near the boundary in celebrating a goal during the match.
Teammate Rory Laird has since questioned Rachele's decision-making, stating it was "a bit misaligned" with how the club approaches the week's proceedings.
The Power had the last laugh in what was a fiery affair between the two clubs, while Rachele was kept to 10 disposals and the one major in the 22-point defeat.
According toย AFL.com.au'sย Cal Twomey, Rachele won't be named for the Crows' trip to New South Wales to see out their home and away season against the Swans at the SCG this weekend.
Josh Rachele set to be omitted for Crowsโ final game of the season. Adelaideโs selection will come through on Thursday but looking set to face the Swans without the third-year forward. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) August 21, 2024
The reported call would bring an abrupt end to Rachele's third year at the club, where he has booted 30 goals from 22 games to sit third for goals under coach Matthew Nicks this year.
Adelaide will already be without star midfield-forward Izak Rankine for Round 24, with the Crows ace entering concussion protocols following Power defender Dan Houston's crunching bump during the Showdown.
Veteran sharpshooter Taylor Walker is a chance to return from an eye injury for the Swans game, while the likes of Billy Dowling, Charlie Edwards and Chayce Jones might also be considered for a spot in the senior side.
Edwards, who has found good form in the SANFL in recent weeks, is one of just three Crows players yet to earn an AFL debut, with fellow first-year pairing Toby Murray and Oscar Ryan also waiting in the wings.
Adelaide will confirm their 23-man side and emergencies for Saturday's game at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday evening, with a final squad to be announced an hour prior to the game's 7:40pm bounce.
