Ed Richards

Selected with pick 16 in the 2017 National Draft, Ed Richards arrived at the Western Bulldogs carrying one of the most famous surnames in football history. As the grandson of Ron Richards and great-nephew of Collingwood legend Lou, he was Magpie royalty by blood but ineligible for a father-son selection, allowing the Bulldogs to secure his services. He made an immediate impression in his debut season, earning a Rising Star nomination as a dashing half-back flanker distinguishable by his pace and aggressive ball movement. Although he featured in the club's 2021 Grand Final side, Richards spent his initial seasons working to establish consistency, often balancing his natural attacking instincts with the defensive accountability required at the top level.

His career reached a new tier in 2024 when a midfield injury crisis prompted a move into the engine room. The shift unlocked Richards' potential, allowing him to utilise his speed and penetrating left foot to drive the Bulldogs out of stoppage traffic. This evolution transformed him from a rebounding defender into a dynamic, line-breaking midfielder who offered a point of difference to his side's contested ball-winners. Entering 2026 as a senior figure at the Whitten Oval, Richards has cemented his importance to the team structure, widely regarded for his ability to launch attacks and break open games through the corridor.