Richmond’s backline for the upcoming season remains relatively experienced in what is a largely inexperienced playing group.
The Tigers have two triple premiership defenders in Nick Vlastuin (233 games all-up) and Nathan Broad (148 games), dual premiership rebounding backman Jayden Short (175 games), as well as 2020 premiership player Noah Balta (104 games).
A talented teenager is shaping to join that defensive unit, quite possibly early in season 2025.
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Luke Trainor, who was Richmond’s fourth pick (No. 21 overall) in last year’s AFL national draft, has been extremely impressive throughout his first pre-season at Tigerland.
The 194cm, athletic 18-year-old from Coates Talent League team Sandringham Dragons has received a big tick of approval from Nathan Broad.
“Luke’s a ripper,” Broad said on the Club’s Talking Tigers podcast.
“He’s one of the kids where you’ve got to say, ‘hey, pull back a bit’, which is awesome. You’d rather that every day of the week.
“He’s pretty agile, he’s quick, he’s tall, he’s got a great leap, natural ability.
“He’s going great guns.”
