It took eleven AFL games for Ed Richards to kick his first AFL goal, and then he added two more in a blistering second quarter display at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, that had the footy world once again taking notice of the 18-year-old former Oakleigh Charger.

With the Bulldogs failing to kick a goal in the opening term against Port Adelaide, Luke Beveridge shifted the magnets around, sending round 10 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee forward, where re repaid the coach’s faith in spades, kick three of the Dogs’ four, including a raking left foot bomb from right on the 50-metre stripe.  

Richards’ finished the game with 15 disposals and five score involvements to go along with the three goals, after shifting from his customary role across half back.  Teammate Hayden Crozier was full of praise, but unsurprised by the young Dogs’ performance.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong since he came into the Club and is really reaping the rewards, he told westernbulldogs.com.au post-match.

“We’ve seen the last couple of weeks he’s been really attacking off half back and good with his ball movement, and today obviously a little bit more on the wing and more forward and to finish off with three goals and kicking his first goal, it was obviously a special moment for him and his family.”

But it wasn’t just his scoreboard impact that stood out.  Richards regularly made the right decision, whether it was to breaking the lines or hit-up an open teammate in space; impressive attributes for someone so young.

“He can hold his head really high after that performance,” Crozier said.