It’s early days, but Richmond young gun Sam Lalor is building a compelling case for the 2025 Telstra AFL Rising Star Award.

The No. 1 pick in last year’s national draft has made an excellent start to his debut season with the Tigers.

He is averaging 15.2 disposals, 6.5 contested possessions, 3.2 marks, 1.2 goals (five in total), 1.8 goal assists, 6.0 score involvements, 2.8 tackles, 206.8 metres gained and received a Rising Star nomination following his Round 1 performance against Carlton.

Among AFL Rising Star contenders, he currently is ranked No. 1 for goals, No. 1 for goal assists, No. 1 for score involvements, No. 2 for contested possessions, No. 3 for centre clearances, No. 4 for disposals, No. 4 for contested marks and No. 4 for tackles.

Lalor produced the best performance of his fledgling AFL career in last Saturday’s clash with reigning premier Brisbane at the MCG – 24 disposals, an equal team-high 14 contested possessions, two goals, a game-high four goal assists, game-high 10 score involvements, three inside-50s, four tackles and 252 metres gained.

He has earned rave reviews for his skill-set, strength in the contest, composure and temperament.