Andrew Raines

Who is Andrew Raines?

Andrew Raines is an Australian rules footballer, with the Brisbane Lions Football Club. He is the son of Geoff Raines, a premiership centreman who played for Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon and Brisbane.

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 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 made his debut for Richmond in the final game of the 2004 season, gathering 9 disposals and 4 marks. He then played six matches for Richmond in the 2005 season, averaging 10 disposals.

In 2006, Raines became one of Richmond's most consistent performers, playing in all 22 games and averaging 18 disposals. He finished second in both the 2006 AFL Rising Star award and Richmond's best and fairest, the Jack Dyer Medal. Raines 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. He represented Australia in the 2006 International Rules series against Ireland.