MERCURIAL Murray Bushrangers forward Josh Rachele is the Draft Central NAB League Player of the Week for Round 11. The 18-year-old was back to his scintillating best on the weekend, snaring a round-high six goals in the Bushies’ 16-point win over Northern Knights. Also among Rachele’s stats were eight marks, and two inside 50s, with the 181cm talent only further stamping his first round credentials.

He beat out high-marking Calder Cannons key forward Sam Paea in this week’s poll, earning just over 60 per cent of the votes. Paea was in fine goalkicking form himself, booting five majors from 13 disposals and three marks to help his Cannons hold off a surging Geelong Falcons side at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

Rachele becomes the Murray Bushrangers’ first Player of the Week winner this year, and the fourth talent from a Country region to take out said honours. Six of the seven nominees thus far are also 2003-born. The Caulfield Grammar student has split his time between competitions, but now has 11 goals in four NAB League outings, also averaging 18.5 disposals, 6.3 marks, and three inside 50s in 2021. He is ranked number 13 in Draft Central’s July Power Rankings.

2021 DRAFT CENTRAL NAB LEAGUE BOYS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1: Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges)
Round 2: Connor Macdonald (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 3: Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers)
Round 4: Fraser Marris (GWV Rebels)
Round 9: Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels)
Round 10: Baynen Lowe (Tasmania Devils)
Round 11: JOSH RACHELE (Murray Bushrangers)