Western Bulldogs defender Ed Richards has laid the foundations to ‘flourish’ in the AFL, according to vice-captain Marcus Bontempelli.

Richards, taken at pick 16 in the 2017 National Draft, was last night rewarded with a Round 10 Rising Star nomination.

Richards produced the best performance of his nine-game AFL career on Friday night against Collingwood with 23 disposals (10 contested), eight intercept possessions and five inside 50s.

“Internally we know (what he’s capable of) and have seen him get to that point. He’s deserved it, he works hard, he trains hard and he’s got some great flair for us,” vice-captain Marcus Bontempelli told RSN on Tuesday.

“It’s great to be able to see players really grow and flourish. Even though we’re not collectively going as well as we would like, I think in the end it will help us in the long term.”

Bontempelli said he was encouraged by the performances of other first year players Billy Gowers and Aaron Naughton who have adapted well to senior football.

“He’s going well, Ed - as well as Billy Gowers and Aaron Naughton, before he got injured. Hopefully he’s not too far from coming back.

“There are some kids who are playing some really good football at the minute,” said Bontempelli.

“It’s about supporting those players to continue to develop and grow and hopefully get a few more wins along the way.”

Richards is the grandson of Magpies premiership player Ron Richards, the brother of Lou Richards, who captained that 1953 Collingwood Grand Final side.

“He’s now definitely a Bulldogs player and he’s got that one over. We’re rapt to have Ed and I think he’s really pumped to be at the Bulldogs.”