Arguably the best key defender in the draft and rightfully touted to be snapped up within the first round, Sandringham Dragons talent Luke Trainor has modelled his game on Geelong star Tom Stewart and Collingwood captain Darcy Moore.
Trainor averaged 19.8 disposals at 77 per cent efficiency and 5.8 marks across his four matches for Vic Metro and was rewarded with All-Australian honours.
Earlier in the year, he was awarded best-afield honours for the AFL Academy in their showcase match against Coburg.
He was dominant in five matches for the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League, averaging 20 disposals and six marks, before suffering a shoulder injury in the qualifying final.
He is the grandson of Geelong and North Melbourne legend Doug Wade and former North Melbourne president Tony Trainor.
Melbourne and Richmond pose as the most likely landing spots, given their list requirements and picks in next month's draft, while both Victorian clubs need to fill key defensive posts.
West Coast, Western Bulldogs and Sydney could look to bolster their backline and have their sights on Trainor.
Position:ย Key defender
Height:ย 194cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Old Brighton Grammarians
Strengths
Intercepting
Kicking
Versatility
Leap
Vision
Draft Range
Pick 8-20
Potential Landing Spots
Melbourne (Pick 9)
Richmond (Pick 10, 11, 18 and 20)
West Coast (Pick 12)
Western Bulldogs (Pick 17)
Sydney (Pick 19)
AFL Comparison
Jordan Ridley
Luke Ryan
Tom Stewart
Expert comments
"An athletic, tall defender who is strong overhead and shows dash and composure with the ball in hand on the rebound. Showed he's capable of playing a more negating role deep during the National Championships and even went forward in the last moments of the title-decider to kick the winning goal." - Kevin Sheehan.
