Tweet
Bulldogs midfield tyro Ed Richards has committed his long-term future to Mission Whitten Oval after signing a five-year contract extension at the Club.
The star onballer was set to come out of contract at the end of this year and become a free-agent, but remained loyal to the red, white and blue, signing until the end of the 2030 season.
The 25-year-old has played 134 games as a Bulldog after being selected at Pick 16 in the 2017 AFL National Draft.
His recent move to the midfield has elevated the former Oakleigh Charger to one of the competition’s rising stars, averaging 27 touches per game since late last year.
Bulldogs Executive Manager – Men’s Football, Sam Power was thrilled to have secured Richards for the long-term.
“Ed has become an integral and much-loved member of our playing group and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him remain at the Club into the future,” Power said.
“After being elevated into the Club’s leadership group last season, Ed’s seamless transition into the midfield in the past 12 months has further displayed his exciting attributes of speed, ball use and agility.
“Given Ed is only 25, we believe his best footy is ahead of him here at the Western Bulldogs, with his signature showing fantastic confidence in our program and future of the football club.
Richards said it was an easy decision to commit to the Kennel.
“I love the Club and I love the people here, which is the main reason for me wanting to stay and put pen to paper,” Richards said.
“The redevelopment, the playing group, the coaching group - everything is always a contributing factor when it comes to signing a deal.
“I feel like the Club is in a really strong position at the moment, so it was an easy decision in the end.”
Richards joins defender Rory Lobb in committing to the Kennel this week, with the tall signing on until 2027.
The star onballer was set to come out of contract at the end of this year and become a free-agent, but remained loyal to the red, white and blue, signing until the end of the 2030 season.
The 25-year-old has played 134 games as a Bulldog after being selected at Pick 16 in the 2017 AFL National Draft.
His recent move to the midfield has elevated the former Oakleigh Charger to one of the competition’s rising stars, averaging 27 touches per game since late last year.
Bulldogs Executive Manager – Men’s Football, Sam Power was thrilled to have secured Richards for the long-term.
“Ed has become an integral and much-loved member of our playing group and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him remain at the Club into the future,” Power said.
“After being elevated into the Club’s leadership group last season, Ed’s seamless transition into the midfield in the past 12 months has further displayed his exciting attributes of speed, ball use and agility.
“Given Ed is only 25, we believe his best footy is ahead of him here at the Western Bulldogs, with his signature showing fantastic confidence in our program and future of the football club.
Richards said it was an easy decision to commit to the Kennel.
“I love the Club and I love the people here, which is the main reason for me wanting to stay and put pen to paper,” Richards said.
“The redevelopment, the playing group, the coaching group - everything is always a contributing factor when it comes to signing a deal.
“I feel like the Club is in a really strong position at the moment, so it was an easy decision in the end.”
Richards joins defender Rory Lobb in committing to the Kennel this week, with the tall signing on until 2027.
Comment