The weight of being the grandson of one of the game’s best goal kickers and having ties to Australian Rules for as long as you can remember would be a burden to most.
For Luke Trainor, it’s anything but.
The teenager’s grandfather is the great Doug Wade, who kicked 1057 goals for Geelong and North Melbourne and is one of the game’s greatest forwards.
Yet, the 19-year-old has taken it all in his stride, as he continues to learn his craft playing at the elite level since being picked up by Richmond with Pick 21 in the 2024 AFL Draft.
But Trainor isn’t just connected to Australian Rules through Wade. His dad Anthony, and uncle Francis, worked with North Melbourne and Collingwood, and his aunty Gabrielle Trainor, is on the AFL Commission.
He counts it as a blessing and doesn’t take his strong links to the league for granted, particularly the connection with his grandfather.
“He’s always someone I’ve idolised in the family. I always aspired to be even just half of him,” Trainor told Richmond Media.
“He really kept me motivated and gave great advice. But he’s also just a great grandfather to have, always in my corner.”
Before his big dreams of playing AFL were realised, Trainor, who grew up in Melbourne’s inner south-east, was a die-hard North Melbourne supporter.
“My dad worked at North Melbourne. I just jumped in the blue and white growing up,” he said.
But it all was left behind the day he walked through the doors of Punt Road.
“Not anymore!”
It’s been a dream start for Trainor, who has played all 14 games since his Round 1 debut.
But more importantly for the teen, his growth has come in the form of lifting up those around him.
“Meeting all the new faces and going along the journey with all the young boys, just learning and taking on new experiences,” Trainor said.
“Getting out there on game day and seeing all the work put in come together, it puts a smile on my face.”
Away from football, he’s found his niche in surfing with mentor and fellow Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin, who has taken the youngster under his wing.
“I’ve become close to Nick Vlastuin. Just bonding with him, learning a lot off him, he’s a great leader. I’m gelling with him real good,” Trainor said.
But when you look within and take Trainor out from the bright lights of AFL stardom, you’ll find a kid who just loves the simple pleasures.
“I love to surf outside footy. I like getting out to the coast and surfing when I can,” Trainor said.
“I love my music, playing around with music and chilling out with my mates.”
As for his game, the 19-year-old has continued to earn his stripes in a young side, learning his way
He's managing 14.5 disposals and 4.6 marks per game, while having standout matches already in his short career.
Namely, his Round 5 outing against Fremantle saw him collect 22 disposals, take 10 marks and gain 412 metres. In Round 8 against the Hawks, he had 21 touches at 90.5% efficiency.
But put simply, Trainor just wants to keep applying his trade and contribute to the broader Richmond journey.
"I'm loving my footy and trying to take it all in each week," he said.
