Richmond youngster Luke Trainor has been recognised as the AFL Round 18 Rising Star nominee, after his impressive performance against Essendon.

The 19-year-old collected 16 disposals, took five marks and laid five tackles in the Tigers' nine-point victory over the Bombers on Saturday night at the MCG.

He was a solid contributor in Richmond's fourth win of the season, and becomes the second Tiger to be nominated for the AFL's Rising Star award this season, following fellow 2024 draftee Sam Lalor, who was nominated in Round 1.

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'Good to get the win for Tig and Taj' - Trainor

Luke Trainor speaks with Richmond Media on the MCG following the Round 18 win.

The defender, who has also played on the wing and up forward at times, was Richmond’s fourth pick (No. 21 overall) in last year’s Draft and has played every game this season.

Standing tall at 194cm, the teenager was drafted from Sandringham Dragons, after a successful 2024 campaign, alongside his school football with Brighton Grammar.

Trainor is averaging 14.4 disposals thus far in 2025, while also taking 4.4 marks per game. The exciting youngster has become an important part of the Tigers' line-up and has progressed strongly throughout his debut season.