Moving Caleb up field allows us then to have Richards in defence with JJ. Ed has so much upside.
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Half Back/Back Pocket is the easiest position on the ground to get a kick, he's not getting more of it moving up the ground. In fact half forward is just about the hardest position on the ground to get the ball.
I'm sure Daniel would be useful up the ground but I don't think he's a wingman and he will struggle to have nearly the same influence at half forward. There is also no way Richards is going to come close to replicating Caleb's output in the backline. It's a clear net loss for the team for me. You don't move a guy that is just about league best in his position.
SA CLUB ENCOURAGED TO TARGET OFF-CONTRACT BULLDOG
Western Bulldogs speedster Ed Richards has been reportedly identified as a possible trade target for rival clubs.
The Herald Sun understands that Richards, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, could become a player of interest once he returns from an ankle injury.
The report also states that the Bulldogs want to keep the 21-year-old beyond this year.
Since debuting in 2018, Richards has played 58 games at Whitten Oval and has been used in a variety of positions.
Kane Cornes believes Adelaide would be an ideal fit for Richards if he were to explore his options at season’s end.
“Geez Adelaide could use him I reckon, in multiple positions,” he told SEN SA Breakfast.
“I’d be putting a call in 100 per cent if I was Adelaide.
“He fits their rebuild age demographically, plays multiple positions, has speed, he’s tough and he’s got a lot of talent. That’s where I’d be aiming.”
Richards injured his ankle in a VFL practice match in March and is still 4-6 weeks away from a return.
He appeared in 17 games for the Dogs in 2020.
Why didn’t Cornes just say “Richards for McAsey”. You know he wants to. Is that the next ‘scoop’?
It honestly looked like this would be his year. Ideally we play him off the halfback flank and move JJ further up the ground.
News flash from Kane Cornes
ED RICHARDS IS A DECENT PLAYER
In news today Kane Cornes breathlessly pointed out the bleeding obvious. For anyone who hasn't watched any football at all in the last 3 years he made the point that Western Bulldogs player Ed Richards goes alright. At least he didn't go with the tired old trope of linking him with Collingwood where he has family connections.
I think I saw him at the butcher a couple of days ago, but it was at Vic Gardens in Richmond so not sure if it was him.........skinny lad if so.
So, Ed is not far away from returning.
After a promising start to his career, where his wheels were on show and his ball use looked sharp, he’s had a couple of years where he has stagnated to the point where he’s probably in the 18-30 range on our list.
What role do we see him playing when he comes back at VFL level and will he make a positive impact in the best 22 this year?
I’d still love to see him on a wing, but might be hard this year given our depth and his fitness levels. Half back we are stocked, albeit if Daniel spends more time up the field maybe there’s a spot. Our forward half could use his pace, but is he able to sacrifice his game and focus hard defensively to take one of those spots?