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In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartThe dangerous Dog who is the most damaging player in the league
Andrew Slevison • May 23rd, 2025 5:30 pm
The Western Bulldogs might have lost to Geelong in Thursday night but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort from Ed Richards.
The midfielder was one of his side’s very best in the 127-113 loss at GMHBA Stadium, compiling 28 disposals, a game-high 10 clearances, seven tackles, three goal assists and kicking two goals.
His work in the clinches was impressive but it was his damage forward of centre which really stood out.
So much so that David King has rated him as the most dangerous player in the AFL right now.
“Richards is the best player in the competition now,” King said on SEN’s Fireball.
“By all numerical data, he is the number one player. He's been the number one for three weeks.
“He's the most damaging player in the competition. I only worry about damage.”
King feels with Richards playing a pivotal role in the middle, it could be time for coach Luke Beveridge to send Dogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli forward more frequently.
“I'd take him off the bosom of Bontempelli for a while,” King added.
“Play ‘Bont’ forward and say, ‘Righto, we've got (Joel) Freijah in there, you've got ‘Libba’ (Tom Liberatore) in there, Richards is in there. That’s enough.
“‘Bevo’ has got tools to work with, and it’s only Round 10.”
Richards is having some sort of season, averaging career bests in disposals (26.9), score involvement (8.8), inside 50s (7.1), clearances (5.3), tackles (3.9) and goal assists (1.9).
He leads the league for inside 50s (78), score involvements (97) and goal assists (21) and had polled 36 coaches votes prior to the weekend, three more than in his entire 2024 campaign.
The 6-5 Dogs next have the bye in Round 12 following their loss to the Cats.
