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.