Second coming of Boomer: Dogs star now in elite bracket

We are seeing the evolution of an unassuming superstar right in front of our eyes.

Ed Richards continues to do remarkable things for the Western Bulldogs as evidenced by his 30 disposals, 16 score involvements, 10 inside 50s, seven clearances and two goals in the five-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.

It was a superb match-winning performance from the 26-year-old who is reminding SEN footy analyst David King of a certain AFL games record holder.

King sees similarities between Richards and Kangas great Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey given his ability to rack up touches and devastate by foot.

“There’s a young man out west named Ed Richards who I think is the closest thing I’ve seen to Brent Harvey,” King said on SEN’s Fireball.

“He’s a left-footed Brent Harvey.

“Let’s not forget that he was stuck at half-back for quite some time. It’s only been the last two years since been in the midfield.”

King provided a bunch of stats that suggest Richards is one of the most damaging centre-forward players in the AFL right now, making him the “complete package”.

“Since Round 6 in 2024, only Marcus Bontempelli has higher rating,” King added.

“In his last 50 games he is top eight in the competition for score involvements. If you look at the centre-forward scoring involvements - he’s only had three less than Isaac Heeney in the last 50 games, 278 to 275.

“I don’t hear anyone talk about Ed Richards the way they talk about Isaac Heeney. They marvel at Isaac, ‘look at this running pattern, look at this…’

“The last two years he’s the number one centre-bounce player in the competition. +55 for scores when he’s in there, +89 for inside 50s when he’s in there - both No.1.

“In terms of just getting centre-bounce clearances only Caleb Serong is better, but Ed is at +84. They are numbers you cannot deny.

“His kicks inside 50, 24% of those become a goal. Top six in the competition.

“I know this is stats-heavy but I just want to show that this guy is the complete package. 11 and 22 goals the last two years so not only setting them up but kicking them.

“I think it’s time we give the ‘Little Red’ his flowers. I’d like to welcome the ‘New Boomer’ to the competition.

“He’s a player we’ve talked about before, it’s no shock to anyone, but he’s in that absolute pointy end of the elite bracket now. We just need to recognise what he’s doing.”

Richards won the 2025 Charles Sutton Medal as the Doggies’ best and fairest while also landing a maiden All-Australian blazer.

He will play game 150 against GWS at Marvel Stadium this Saturday afternoon.