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."