"So many emotions...I'm over the moon!"
Luke Trainor overcome with emotion on draft night
VIDEO: https://x.com/Richmond_FC/status/1859182515023642855----------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Has me on goals... for now!’: New recruit’s hilarious comparison to grandad AFL legendWill Faulkner
Fox Sports
November 21st, 2024 New Richmond recruit Luke Trainor provided one of the interviews of the night amid the first round of the 2024 AFL National Draft, as his grandfather — an AFL legend — watched on.
Taken at Pick 21 by the Tigers, the key defender was considered a slight bolter to be taken that high; but that’s not to say he wasn’t highly rated by many clubs heading into Wednesday night’s first round of the draft.
Trainor, the grandson of Geelong and North Melbourne legend Doug Wade, wasn’t at Marvel Stadium for the first night of the draft; instead hooked up to the coverage via Zoom with family and friends around him.
Speaking to Fox Footy moments after his selection, the 18-year-old couldn’t wipe the smile off his face — especially given the fact he will join mates Sam Lalor (Pick 1), Josh Simille (Pick 7), Taj Hotton (Pick 12) and Jonty Faull (Pick 14).
“So many emotions … it’s been a long year, but to go (to Richmond) with a lot of my mates - Sammy, Josh, Taj and Jonty, I’m over the moon.
“Up the Tigers!”
“Each pick, the clock gets a bit longer, but to get it over and done with is the best feeling (and one) I’ll never forget.”
And only two picks later, Punt Road also welcomed key forward Harry Armstrong with Pick 23 — capping off an incredible first night of the draft for Adem Yze’s side.
Despite the emotions, Trainor kept himself grounded with a holistic view for the immediate future.
“You’ve just got to take it each week and each program at a time; whatever pick you go, it doesn’t matter - they don’t care Monday (when they start pre-season),” he added.
“I’m only just getting started, so I can’t wait.”
Grandfather Doug Wade was alongside Trainor for the duration of the live cross, briefly speaking to note that he’s “put a lot of work in,” much like his parents and sister.
Wade kicked an eye-watering 1,057 goals from his 267 VFL games, and won the Coleman Medal four times across his 15-year career.
He is just one of six players to ever kick over a thousand career VFL/AFL goals, sitting fifth on the all-time list.
“The great man Doug … I think he has me on goals, for now!” Tranior jokingly added.
“Shoutout to all my coaches for giving me every chance.
“I don’t think I’ll sleep for a couple of days to be honest.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2024-luke-trainor-interview-after-getting-drafted-to-richmond-tigers-grandfather-doug-wade-joins-mates-sam-lalor-josh-simille-taj-hotton-jonty-faull-latest-news/news-story/0be18c88f2b2ccf8bc88d30660e19243
