Richards capped a stunning career renaissance in 2012, earning himself All-Australian selection and a premiership medal just two years after being stuck in the reserves. 

Marshalling the AFL’s best performed defensive line, Richards played every game and regularly quelled some of the competition’s best key forwards. 

He shook off a sprained ankle in the preliminary final to play his part in the flag before finishing runner-up to Josh Kennedy for the Swans’ best and fairest.

Previous AFL club: Essendon (2002-05: 33 games, 19 goals).

Draft history: 2000 National AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Essendon) No. 27 overall traded by West Coast for Michael Prior; 2005 NAB AFL Draft traded by Essendon for No. 19 (Courtenay Dempsey) and No. 51 (Sam Lonergan).

2013 Coaches Call

2012 was a great year for Teddy. He was named as a 2012 All-Australian defender and it was without a doubt one of his best years.

Pre-season has been slightly interrupted with his ankle injury that he suffered prior to the Grand Final, but he has returned to full training.

We hope in 2013 that Teddy can capture the form of 2012 again this year.