Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Ed Richards

[hujsh]

You can tell from the photo that neither Lou nor Ron were real comfortable with the concept of handballing the ball.

They must have come from the "get ball, have shot at goal" school of football.

Looks like he's punching the ball with his knuckles

[bulldogtragic]

From the clubs website:

Imagine sitting in class as a 17-year-old and your English teacher calls you aside to say they were expecting a call from the Western Bulldogs about you.

That was the lot of Ed Richards, the 16th pick in Friday night’s NAB AFL Draft, and the person on the end of the phone was the Bulldogs’ Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple.

In a twist of fate, it wasn’t the first time Dalrymple had placed this call either, Richard’s shared the same English teacher as Jack Macrae, so the omens are good so far.

In all the of pre-draft analysis, Richard’s family tree was the lead, which was understandable in that he counts Collingwood greats Ron and Lou Richards among his relatives, but it’ll be the former Oakleigh Chargers’ football that should do the talking from here.

While the Magpies were the team he watched growing up, it’s new teammate Jason Johannisen that he’s been watching closely in more recent times.

“At the start of this year and moving through, I looked up to JJ, just way he takes on the game,” he told westernbulldogs.com.au

“Obviously he had a great 2016 Grand Final, that was a great game to watch. Just how he wanted to attack the ball and win for his team, which was great”.

With the new draftees expected to arrive at VU Whitten Oval on Monday, Richards will have the chance to start learning off of the Bulldogs speedster sooner rather than later.

In any case, he can’t wait to get started.

“I just can’t wait to get stuck into it,” he said.

“You sort of wait for it the whole year, the year sort of drags on a bit, then it finally comes to draft night. And then to get stuck into it on Monday and really have a red hot crack at it over pre-season.”

[GVGjr]

What are the expectations on how many games Richards might be able to achieve in 2018?

I'll go for 6 games probably more on a wing or even a forward flank than in the back line.

[Bulldog Joe]

What are the expectations on how many games Richards might be able to achieve in 2018?

I'll go for 6 games probably more on a wing or even a forward flank than in the back line.

On what we currently know 6 games would be a good result.

A better result would be any games including a flag as per Josh Dunkley's 1st year.

[Twodogs]

On what we currently know 6 games would be a good result.

A better result would be any games including a flag as per Josh Dunkley's 1st year.

Yep, that'd be my preference.

[boydogs]

He might get a few games, HBF one of the easiest positions to start in

[bulldogtragic]

If guys re-discover how to kick effectively inside 50, maybe 3 games.

If the guys don't, and Richards is doing it in the VFL, then up to 7 or 8 on the wing or high HFF. We need players who can kick to advantage going forward and especially inside 50.

[bornadog]

Good luck Sunday on Debut

[Twodogs]

Good luck red Ed Richards.

That's some mop of red hair!

[josie]

Good luck Ed! Love the red mop of hair, a really striking colour. I am predicting he will be a bit of an excitement machine for us. Something for fans to look forward to on Sunday, along with a significantly more ferocious attack on the ball and opposition. Got a decent build on him for a young fella based upon above photo.

[bornadog]

20 Ed Richards

Height 185 cm DOB 03-07-1999

Weight 79 kg


My favourite number 20 was Jimmy Edmond. If he is anything like Jimmy he will be a beauty.

[Eastdog]

Good luck Ed!

Hope you have a great debut.

[Bulldog Revolution]

In a team that struggled I thought it was a reasonable start

Seemed confident enough and comfortable at the level - made good decision by hand - didn’t quite hit his kicks as well as I think he can and will but solid start

[Remi Moses]

Tough day to make your debut, but he equipped himself well .
Especially difficult with such inexperience around you

[Mofra]

How good was his second game? Ball use is outstanding.