Andrew Raines

Infobox afl player NEW
playername = Andrew Raines
fullname = Andrew Raines
image capt = Andrew Raines


birthdate = Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|3|8
birthplace = Gold Coast, Queensland
originalteam = Southport
draftpick = 76^th overall, 2003 AFL Ric
heightweight = 184 cm / 81kg
position = Half Back Flank
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
currentclub = AFL Ric
guernsey = 4
years = 2004-
clubs = AFL Ric
games(goals) = 53 (1) [cite web| url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Players/tabid/7689/default.aspx |title=Richmond Football Club Playerlist |publisher=Richmond Football Club |accessdate=2008-09-25]
coach = notcoach
coachingteams =
statsend = 2008
careerhighlights =

*AFL Rising Star nominee 2006
*International Rules Series 2006

Andrew Raines (born 8 March 1986) is an Australian rules footballer, with the Richmond Football Club. He is the son of Geoff Raines (a premiership centreman who played for Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon and Brisbane) by commentators, who say that the way he runs and carries the ball is uncanningly similar to his father.

Raines was drafted in 2003 AFL Draft at the late pick of 76. The selection was questioned by some at the time, with suggestions that if Andrew had not been the son of former Richmond premiership great Geoff Raines, that Richmond would not have drafted him. Still he was a very young player (only eligible for the draft by 8 weeks) and had shown potential playing under-18 football for the Southport Sharks, however having a very small body frame he was considered a long-term prospect.

Raines debuted for Richmond in the final game of the 2004 season, gathering 9 disposals and 4 marks.

Raines played six matches for Richmond in the 2005 season, averaging 10 disposals and demonstrating good pace.

He wears the number 4 guernsey for Richmond, as did his father Geoff.

In 2006, Raines became one of Richmond's most consistent performers, playing in all 19 games (as of round 19) and averaging 17.4 disposals (as of Round 19). He finished 2nd, on 33 points, in the 2006 NAB AFL Rising Star, 10 points behind Danyle Pearce who finished on 43 points.

Known for his hard-running, ability to rebound out of defense and willingness to take on opposition players, Raines has played on some of the competitions best small and medium forwards, and came to prominence when he restricted dual All-Australian and Brownlow Medal winner Mark Ricciuto to only 4 disposals and 1 goal.

Raines was considered one of the best young talents in the AFL, and a key to Richmond's rebuilding.

Raines has reportedly re-signed with Richmond until the end of 2009.

References

External links

*Richplayer|ref=289389
*AflRleague|ref=A/Andrew_Raines.html