Ed Richards has signed a two-year contract extension with the Western Bulldogs.

The 22-year-old, who was due to come out of contract at season’s end, is now locked in at VU Whitten Oval until the end of 2023.

Richards has played 63 AFL games since joining the Bulldogs with pick 16 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, missing just five matches across his first three seasons at the level.

He has played five AFL matches in 2021, after overcoming a pre-season ankle injury which saw him sidelined until round 15.

“It’s obviously great to put pen to paper on another two years at the Dogs,” Richards said.

“The boys, the coaches, everything at the club – I really love it here, so it was a pretty easy decision for me.

“When I first came to the club, I was at half-back and then I played some time on the wing and forward. I think I’ve been able to develop my game in different areas of the ground, which has been good and means I can fill different roles for the team.

“I’ve made great friends here and it’s a great place to be. We’ve got such a young list and we’re really exciting when we play well. We’ve had a good year and this group is something I want to keep being part of.”

Richards has primarily played across half-back this season, but also spent some time higher up the ground.

General Manager of List Management and Football Projects, Sam Power, said it was an important re-signing for the Bulldogs’ future.

“We’re excited to have Ed locked away as a Bulldog for two more years,” Power said.

“His speed, ability to cover the ground and open the game up with his rebound and run are attributes we rate highly.

“Ed only missed a handful of games across his first three years at AFL level, before working through some injury interruptions earlier this season to return to senior football.

“We know he has plenty of growth still to come in his game and a bright future here.”