Former Hampton Rovers player Ted Richards is the round 15 National AFL Rising Star nominee.
Originally from East Sandringham, Richard played football with the Sandringham Dragons and Xavier College before Essendon selected him at number 27 in the 2000 National AFL Draft.
A late developer, Richards did not play in any National AFL Pathway teams as a junior. This however did not stop Bomber recruiters seeing his potential while playing for the Dragons.
Richards played a full year in the VFL before his senior debut for the Bombers in 2002. The 20-year-old only played two games last year, but in season 2003 he is reaching his potential.
Playing his 10th game for Essendon on the weekend, Richards topped the goal-kicking list with three goals against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
The tall forward is a good mark and smart around goals. Together with his aerobic capacity and athleticism, Richards will be looking to fill a key position in the years ahead.
AFL.com.au
