When Ed Richards sat down to contemplate his future, one thing was for certain, the Bulldogs was the place to be.

Drafted in 2017, Richards has bided his time to become a regular of Luke Beveridge’s side, showing his versatility anywhere in the back six.

“Pretty easy decision for me, love my time here the last six or so years. I didn’t really think twice about it to be honest,” Richards said at training today.

“I’ve built a really good foundation with these people; players and coaches over the last few years.

“I think we are heading in a really positive direction. Hopefully we can string a few finals series together over the next couple of years and see where that takes us.”

Despite losing the opening rounds of the season, Richards says the side is returning to its best, pressuring teams across all lines.

“Our pressure wasn’t really good enough all over the ground and that’s something we went into the Lions game with a focus on,” he said.

“Bring that heat and putting them under the pressure. We will look to do the same against Richmond this week.

“We were surprised by our start to the year, it wasn’t at the standard we expect. Happy we got the standard back last week.”

Forming part of the backline has been a highlight for the 23-year-old, playing team first football alongside the likes of Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel.

“I like playing defence, I like the team within a team type aspect, playing back six,” he explained.

“It’s been good for my development playing there the last couple of years. I started there when I came here at 18, it’s good to be able to development my skills and try to become a better player each week.

“The energy around the place has been amazing all pre-season, I wouldn’t say there is more or less.

“The beauty of this group is we take everything week by week, I know it’s cliché, but we like to keep the energy at every single training.

“That holds us in good stead heading into each week.”