Adelaide star Josh Rachele has called out a disturbing message from a football fan after his dramatic sealer in the Crows’ win over Richmond on Sunday.

Tigers fans were incensed in the last five minutes after Rachele earned a free kick and booted the sealer, further enraging Richmond supporters when he gestured hanging up a phone.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Josh Rachele hangs up the phone on Richmond

Richmond’s Seth Campbell had performed the same celebration, inspired by American tennis player Ben Shelton, in last week’s win over West Coast.

Late on Sunday night Rachele shared a screenshot to his Instagram story of a message from a user: “End your life please.”

The account has since been deleted.

“Hope you’re happy with yourself pal,” Rachele wrote.

“Mental health matters in every space, including sport. Messages like these are never welcome.

“Words have meaning, words have impact. Let’s choose kindness.”

Several AFL players have called out messages from trolls in recent years, with the league last year condemning “unacceptable” racist comments directed at Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne.

“To hide behind a fake account is cowardly and I want the people that have created these online accounts and racially abused our players to know that our game does not want you. Real fans don’t racially abuse players,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said at the time.

Rachele received the message in his inbox at a time the Crows grieving the deaths of captain Jordan Dawson’s brother Jaryd and Mark Keane’s brother Vinny in recent weeks.

Keane returned home to Ireland last week to be with his family.

Dawson sat out last week’s Showdown win over Port Adelaide but returned to face Richmond and proved the firestarter in the 14.14 (98) to 9.7 (61) win.

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks spoke post-game of how football clubs are already like big families because of the need to support their people in such a high-pressure environment.

“The last few weeks have been probably at their hardest, in that it’s so close to home and it’s been a real challenge,” Nicks said.

“If anything, it brings you tighter through these tough periods.

“I can’t tell you where it sits us at the moment, because of our football ... is not where we want it to be.”

The Crows were certainly far from their best in the first half as Richmond came at them hard to lead by 10 points at the main break.

Skipper Dawson stood out by starting the second half in the midfield and having the first possession.

Dawson, Izak Rankine and Wayne Milera led the way as Adelaide piled on 5.4 to one behind in the third quarter. Richmond challenged early in the last quarter but the Crows sealed the win with nine goals to two in the second half.

While Nicks admitted to letting off some steam at half-time, he said Dawson and his teammates were primarily responsible for stopping the rot.

“The players were already talking (about) it when we walked in, although Balmey (Crows board member Neil Balme) did just say he heard me from the stands at half-time,” Nicks said.

“That’s the most pleasing part, that they’re not relying on us (coaches) at all.”

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

- with AAP