Pick 21: Luke Trainor

[one-eyed]

Trainor's terrific transition to Tigerland

Luke Trainor has made an instant impact in his debut season.

By Tony Greenberg
RFC website
15 April 2025

Luke Trainor has made an excellent start to his AFL career with Richmond.

The talented 19-year-old, 195cm defender, who was taken by the Tigers with their fourth pick (No. 21 overall) in the 2024 AFL national draft, is averaging 16.8 disposals, 5.4 marks, 3.4 rebound-50s, 3.4 intercepts and 339.2 metres gained across the first five games of the season.

Among AFL rising stars, he is ranked No. 1 for kicks, No. 1 for rebound-50s, No. 2 for metres gained, No. 3 for total disposals, No. 3 for marks and No. 3 for intercepts.

Trainor produced the best performance of his fledgling AFL career against Fremantle at Barossa Park last Sunday.

Displaying a maturity way beyond his years, Trainor stood up superbly in Richmond’s backline and did everything in his power to repel the Dockers’ forward entries, particularly throughout the second half.

He finished the match with an AFL career-high 22 disposals, career-high 10 marks, career-high six rebound-50s, career-high five intercepts and career-high 412 metres gained.

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1757070/trainors-terrific-transition-to-tigerland

[Diocletian]

*fifth pick

[Tigeritis™©®]

Ok. This kid is actually pretty special.  Cool as a cucumber.

He does things on the ground that makes him look like he's been playing for 10 years.

I think he's gong to be a special player for us.

[Andyy]

He's really smart. Great footy brain.

Probably the best of the draftees so far I'd say.

[Willy]

Been very good but his kicking seems a bit off to me. Maybe a confidence thing.

[one-eyed]

David King was enamoured with Luke Trainor who continues to impress in defence after being taken with Pick 21 in last year’s draft.

“I tell you who I’m in love with - Trainor,” King said on SEN’s Fireball.

“Trainor looks to me like a serious player. Six intercepts last night, four of those were marks.

“I just love the way that he is so composed and controlled for a young player. I know everyone is talking about our man Lalor, and rightly so, he does move like a star.

“But I just think Trainor might be the sneaky pick of the rest.”

Kane Cornes added: “They’re really boring with their ball movement, even off turnover they’re initial instinct is to go wide and slow the play down.

“Off turnover, go fast. Trainor is one that is prepared to pick it off and is a good ball user, good intercept marker.”

Trainor had 16 disposals, nine marks and six intercepts in his seventh appearance at AFL level and is building a nice debut season.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2025/04/24/the-tiger-cubs-who-king-and-cornes-are-loving

[TigerLand]

Been very good but his kicking seems a bit off to me. Maybe a confidence thing.

I think he's kicking is fine but I have noticed he seems a bit overly cautious going for short passes down the line. A big big responsibility for a first year player and 18 yo. Pace of the game jump would be a massive learning curve when chopping the ball forward compared to U18s. He does seem much more relaxed kicking long then short.

[one-eyed]

Trying to find a positive. Trainor's performance today:

21 disposals (15k, 6h, 4c, 16u, 90.5% eff.)
8 marks
2 tackles
3 inside 50s
438m gained
4 intercepts
5 score involvements
83% gametime

[Francois Jackson]

Love his work all year.

I would be very surprised if he isnt top 10 in our b& f.

Has had a very good year so far.

[Tiger Khosh]

Nailed this pick.

[Andyy]

Can we call him a gun yet? Hehe

[WilliamPowell]

Been the most consistent of all the Cubs, yes even moreover than Lalor

Should have received a Rising Star by now

[Tiger Khosh]

Been the most consistent of all the Cubs, yes even moreover than Lalor

Should have received a Rising Star by now

I agree however it’s a lot easier to be consistent when the ball is down your end of the ground constantly.

[Damo]

Can we call him a gun yet? Hehe

A better chance
But no , not yet

He will DEFINITELY be a gun

[pmac21]

Very impressed by him today, he just has it.