It was the case of ‘press red for Ed’ in 2025 – and the midfielder didn’t disappoint.
While there had been questions as to where Richards would find himself on the field this year, an injury to Captain Marcus Bontempelli early in the year all but cemented his position in the midfield.
The 26-year-old would take the opportunity with both hands and, on the back of one of his strongest pre-seasons to date, would go onto become a mainstay in the Bulldogs’ dominant midfield group.
Richards would jump from 44% centre bounce attendance in 2024 to 75% in 2025, with his toughness around the contest and speed in the break real features of his game.
Across the board there was barely an area of his game that Richards didn’t improve on this year.
Consistent in the contest, would go onto average 518 metres gained, 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions and 5.7 clearances and 8.3 score involvements – second in the competition only to teammate Marcus Bontempelli.
It wasn’t just his work across in the contest that impressed, however.
Richards damaging left foot would see the midfielder sneak forward to kick a career-best 22 goals in the year.
The pick of the lot was a spectacular snap on the run against Port Adelaide in Round 8.
Roving perfectly from ruck Tim English, Richards’ burst away from the back balancing an unbelievable banana from the boundary of Ballarat as the Dogs cruised home to a 90-point win against the Power.
Richards’ emergence as one of the leading midfielders in the competition would not go unrewarded as he earned his first All-Australian blazer at season’s end.
A first Charles Sutton Medal would cap off an outstanding personal year for Richards putting him alongside other Bulldog greats.
Charles Sutton Medal history:
Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player – 2022
