Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Ed Richards

[soupman]

He played defence this hyear before getting injured I believe (small sample size I know and this was also before the emergency of Dale).

I would still be open to that. As to whether or not it's worth doing that when there aren't any spots available, we have shown of late a propensity to push Daniel into other spots around the ground (forward against Calrton, Mid against Freo) and Richards has also played those roles before, so we could see him basically share that role with Daniel, where we always have one in defence and the other wherever else we deem it necessary.

[1eyedog]

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?

I hope it's wing high half forward. Id like to maximum his speed and running capacity and feel he is a less than reliable kick coming out of defence.

[comrade]

I hope it's wing high half forward. Id like to maximum his speed and running capacity and feel he is a less than reliable kick coming out of defence.

Can you see him taking the role Roarke Smith is currently playing?

[1eyedog]

Can you see him taking the role Roarke Smith is currently playing?

It depends on the type of player we want in that position. If we need a defensive minded reliable player to play a more defensive role on a good opposition player we go with Roarke. If we're after more flow and a player who can cover more ground and help our connections maybe we consider Richards. This would likely change on a weekly basis.

What do you think? Can they both play in the same team? Who do you prefer or who else potentially comes out?

[jeemak]

I think the role Roarke plays could be up for grabs (even though he's been really solid), with Richards offering pace as a point of difference. The roles Scott and McNiel, and even JJ play are also opportunities for him.

Some better than decent form at VFL level will see him promoted because the MC thinks he's too good not to be playing.

[bornadog]

[bornadog]

I enjoyed Ed taking them on, hopefully he keeps it up.

[azabob]

Ed was my highlight from the weekend.

It was probably his most rounded game that I have seen him play.

His disposal efficiency was spot on, he took the game on with his run and carry - especially his pace and he also took some strong marks.

Hopefully this sets his season up.

[AshMac]

Ed was my highlight from the weekend.

It was probably his most rounded game that I have seen him play.

His disposal efficiency was spot on, he took the game on with his run and carry - especially his pace and he also took some strong marks.

Hopefully this sets his season up.

Agree. Big fan of his game against the bombers. Whose spot has he taken in the side? He’s definitely a defender and I can’t think off the top of my head who is out for him? Crozier?

[GVGjr]

Ed was my highlight from the weekend.

It was probably his most rounded game that I have seen him play.

His disposal efficiency was spot on, he took the game on with his run and carry - especially his pace and he also took some strong marks.

Hopefully this sets his season up.

He played well in his first season with us as a HBF and after a few years in other roles he has slotted back to his natural position and is performing better.

There was a lot to like about his game on Sunday.

[azabob]

Agree. Big fan of his game against the bombers. Whose spot has he taken in the side? He’s definitely a defender and I can’t think off the top of my head who is out for him? Crozier?

From memory Williams came in for Crozier.

It will be interesting to see who makes way for Keath when he is fit.

For mine it will have to be Williams or McComb/R.Smith/McNeil. Depending who may mean either Daniel, Williams or Richards is shuffled to a wing / midfield spot.

[Go_Dogs]

His work in the contest is a feature for mine. He’s rarely beaten, can halve contests vs multiple opponents, and is learning to balance his game appropriately with offence / defence.

If he can stay injury free, he’s a best 22 lock now.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Thought his start to the year was poor.

Had a good couple of weeks and looks to have stabilised. Good to see his contest game back and he's using the ball better.

[AshMac]

From memory Williams came in for Crozier.

It will be interesting to see who makes way for Keath when he is fit.

For mine it will have to be Williams or McComb/R.Smith/McNeil. Depending who may mean either Daniel, Williams or Richards is shuffled to a wing / midfield spot.

I cant see who he is in for as I thought O’Brien was in for Keath - though maybe it’s because Cordy seems to be playing as a swing.

Don’t like Richard’s on the wing, like him less on the forward line. I reckon he might be a one position player - back flank

[boydogs]

I cant see who he is in for as I thought O’Brien was in for Keath - though maybe it’s because Cordy seems to be playing as a swing.

Don’t like Richard’s on the wing, like him less on the forward line. I reckon he might be a one position player - back flank

Wood & Cordy have been replaced by O'Brien & Richards