Ed Richards Biography

Billy Gowers has embraced social media where his charismatic and jovial personality is evident.

Two of his recent uploads have involved fellow first-year Bulldogs Ed Richards and Fergus Greene.

Richards took part in a carpool karaoke session as he and Gowers banged out lyrics to Akon's classic hit Smack That.

Gowers also snapped Greene performing an audacious self-choreographed routine following last weekend's thrilling win over North Melbourne.

"Nothing is ever planned with my social media, it just happens when it does," Gowers said.

Ed Richards is the 2018 round 10 AFL Rising Star nominee after collecting 23 disposals (10 contested), eight intercept possessions and five inside 50s in the Bulldogs' loss to Collingwood.

Draftee Ed Richards signs a contract extension with the Western Bulldogs to remain at the club until the end of 2021.

"Ed's been fantastic from the moment he arrived at the club," Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said.

“We know he's quick and uses the footy well, but he's also a real competitor, which is important at this level.

"The coaching group has been impressed with his professionalism and commitment to get better, and he's fitting in really well within the playing group."

Western Bulldogs great Luke Darcy says exciting draftee Ed Richards is just what the club needs after the retirements of defensive playmakers Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd.

In just his second game in the red, white and blue, Richards had a day out in the round three victory over Essendon, giving the Bulldogs the defensive drive they'd been sorely missing so far in 2018.

"He was a bit of a late developer at junior level, and he has started to come into own in the last 12 months, so you think the rate of improvement in him is going to be enormous," Darcy said.

"He's got great speed, composure and a really good decision maker."

Ed Richards, a relative of the late Collingwood legend Lou, has surged into top-20 draft calculations after a brilliant second half of the season.

The attacking and quick medium defender missed out on Vic Metro selection for this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships after a knee injury interrupted his preparation for the carnival.

"It was disappointing that he hurt his knee in effectively the first five minutes of round one against Sandringham, and that hampered his ability to push for Vic Metro selection. Given his form now he would have been strongly considered for a Metro berth had he been ready," Oakleigh talent manager Craig Notman said.

"He took that disappointment on the chin, played some really good school football and has gone from strength to strength with us."