Talented, young Richmond defender Luke Trainor seized his opportunity in the Round 3 clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium, producing the best performance of his fledgling AFL career after regaining his place in the Tigers’ line-up.
Trainor, in his first senior game of the season, and his 22nd overall, was a shining light for the yellow and black.
He had a team-high and AFL career-high 28 disposals, a game-high and AFL career-high eight rebound-50s, four intercepts, a team-high and AFL career-high 491 metres gained, along with nine marks.
The 19-year-old (he turns 20 in April) worked extremely hard throughout the contest, combining strong defence with impressive offensive rebound. He was composed with ball in hand and his disposal was efficient.
Richmond coach Adem Yze was suitably impressed with what he saw from him.
“Luke Trainor, back into the team, really earnt his spot and I thought he took a big step today. Played a bit taller,” Yze said in his post-match press conference.
“Those sorts of things are the little growth and little positives that we’ll get out of it with our younger players.”
